Maxx Crosby has been the undeniable heartbeat of the Las Vegas Raiders defense, winning the Commitment to Excellence Award for the fifth consecutive year. But after a most disastrous way to end a 3-14 campaign, observers believe that the relationship between the star pass rusher and the franchise may be at a crossroads.
Jessica Cryderman – The Sporting Tribune
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end, Maxx Crosby (98) getting excited before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on November 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA.
On Sunday, while the Raiders’ season lay in ruins, Crosby was spotted courtside at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. Captured in a photo by his wife, Rachel Washburn, Crosby watched the Los Angeles Clippers secure a narrow 103-102 victory over the Golden State Warriors.
Crosby received support from NBA superstar James Harden, who was a late scratch for the Clippers due to shoulder stiffness. Despite being sidelined, Harden met with Crosby courtside, reinforcing a friendship that has made headlines before:
“Familyyyyy Keep Going Uno,” Crosby captioned.
The two athletes have a documented history of mutual respect, with Harden previously celebrating Crosby’s record-breaking $106.5M extension. In the latest social media exchange, Harden was seen holding a bottle of ZenWTR, a brand Crosby tagged in support of his friend’s business venture.
While he posted a celebratory “BIG DUB” following the game, the timing is conspicuous. With the Raiders holding the No. 1 overall pick and facing a total roster reset, Crosby is taking advantage of the early offseason window—not just for leisure, but for critical medical decisions.
Crosby was in Los Angeles on Tuesday, January 6, to undergo a medical consultation with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Having been placed on injured reserve for the final two games, Crosby is hoping to avoid a surgical procedure that could jeopardize his availability for 2026.
Raiders Leadership Refuses To Label Maxx Crosby Untouchable
DJ Cabanlong- The Sporting Tribune
Las Vegas Raiders newly hired General Manager John Spytek speaks to the media during a press conference, Monday January 27, 2025 in Henderson, Nev.
Among the developments that have occurred during the Raiders’ collapse is Crosby’s name emerging in trade speculation. In a recent press conference, General Manager John Spytek addressed the status of his defensive cornerstone, but stopped short of guaranteeing his return:
“It’s been well documented that he didn’t love the idea of not playing football,” Spytek said. “And I think you always want that from your best players. In fact, I think that’s why they’re your best players. So I love Maxx. He embodies what a Raider is.”
However, Las Vegas Review-Journal analyst Adam Hill noted that Spytek conspicuously avoided saying the word “no” when asked if Crosby was off-limits.
“It’s important to note he was asked, is Max Crosby untouchable?” Hill said. “And there’s a word that wasn’t used in that answer, and that word is ‘no.’”
Hill suggested that a smart team should listen to offers for almost any player if the price is right.
With the Raiders currently holding the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, trading a valuable veteran could provide the additional capital needed to build a new offense. The front office must now decide if Maxx Crosby will remain the foundation of the defense or help facilitate a total team rebuild.