The Las Vegas Raiders and Maxx Crosby have been tied together for seven seasons now, but that relationship is facing serious questions heading into the offseason. The five-time Pro Bowler has been the heartbeat of the Raiders’ defense since he arrived in 2019, but recent reports suggest that all is not well between Crosby and the organization - and the tension may be reaching a breaking point.
Let’s be clear: Crosby hasn’t publicly demanded a trade. But there’s been no shortage of smoke around his growing frustration in Las Vegas. And where there’s smoke, there’s usually something burning beneath the surface.
A Frustrated Star in a Constantly Changing Environment
Crosby’s discontent isn’t just about one issue - it’s been building over time. For starters, there was the decision by the Raiders to shut him down for the final two games of the season.
That didn’t sit well with him, and he made that known. And then there’s the bigger picture: the revolving door of leadership that’s defined his time with the team.
Since Crosby was drafted, the Raiders have cycled through five general managers and are now on their sixth head coach, with Klint Kubiak stepping in to lead the team in 2026. That kind of instability can wear on any player, especially one like Crosby who’s been all-in from Day 1. He’s been the constant through all the chaos - the emotional leader, the elite performer, the guy who sets the tone every Sunday.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero recently added another layer to the story during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, painting a vivid picture of just how much turnover Crosby has endured.
“When you think back through all the players that have come and gone from that place over the time that Maxx Crosby has been there, he's like the lone wolf still standing,” Pelissero said. “You can imagine it’s the Will Smith Fresh Prince GIF of him looking around at the empty room.”
It’s not just a clever analogy - it’s the reality in Las Vegas. From Crosby’s rookie season in 2019, only a handful of players remain: left tackle Kolton Miller, punter AJ Cole, and kicker Daniel Carlson (who’s set to hit free agency).
Everyone else from that final season in Oakland? Gone.
The Guerrero Factor
Another wrinkle in the situation is the reported influence of Alex Guerrero - Tom Brady’s longtime business partner - within the Raiders’ organization. According to multiple reports, Crosby isn’t thrilled with Guerrero’s growing presence. While the details of that relationship remain mostly behind closed doors, it’s clear that it’s part of the broader friction that’s making Crosby question his future with the team.
No Trade Request - Yet
Despite the noise, Crosby hasn’t formally asked out. Former Raiders quarterback and 2002 NFL MVP Rich Gannon even suggested recently that Crosby wants to stay and be part of the solution.
That’s important - because if there’s one thing we know about Crosby, it’s that he’s fiercely competitive and loyal to his teammates. He’s not the type to bail at the first sign of trouble.
But even loyalty has its limits. And when a player has given everything to a franchise - through losing seasons, front office shake-ups, and a carousel of coaches - it’s fair to wonder how much more he’s willing to give if the team can’t offer stability in return.
What Comes Next
The Raiders are trying to turn the page. With Kubiak and new GM John Spytek in place, there’s hope that the franchise is finally moving in a more cohesive direction. But as much as the organization may want to move forward, they’ll need to rebuild trust with one of their cornerstone players.
Crosby’s future will be one of the biggest storylines to watch over the coming weeks. He’s under contract, he’s still producing at an elite level, and he’s one of the most respected voices in that locker room. But if the relationship continues to fray, the Raiders may be forced to make a tough decision - one that could reshape the identity of their defense for years to come.
For now, Raider Nation waits. And so does Maxx Crosby.