Getty
The Raiders are set for an important stretch during the 2026 NFL Draft Combine as they continue to deal with Maxx Crosby trade rumors
The Las Vegas Raiders are staring down the barrel at a very important offseason. The team already made a big decision when it hired Klint Kubiak to be its new head coach, but the work has only just begun. When it comes to the Raiders’ roster, serious questions surround superstar defensive end Maxx Crosby‘s future with the team.
After he got shut down early in the 2025 campaign, Crosby has reportedly begun to look for a way out of Las Vegas, leading to a slew of trade rumors swirling around him. Right now, there’s no final answer on Crosby’s future, but according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, his status could receive some clarity during the 2026 NFL Draft Combine.
Raiders Set for a ‘Big Week’ at 2026 NFL Draft Combine
It’s a big week for Maxx Crosby and the Raiders, who continue to discuss his future, as well as Daniel Jones and the Colts, who have eight days to strike a deal or potentially tag him. @gmfb @nflnetwork
Crosby has spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Raiders, and during his time with the team, he has turned himself into one of the most relentless defenders in the league. Crosby has earned five straight Pro selections, in addition to a pair of All-Pro Second Team honors. Simply put, there aren’t many players who can make the sort of impact Crosby makes on a weekly basis.
Despite Crosby’s stellar play for Las Vegas, he has experienced virtually no success during his time in town, and the constant losing is beginning to take a toll on him. The straw that appears to have broken the camel’s back came late in the 2025 campaign when Crosby was shut down for the team’s final two games as it looked to improve its position in the 2026 NFL Draft.
While that decision yielded the No. 1 overall pick for the Raiders, it may have cost them Crosby. This isn’t the first time trade rumors have swirled around Crosby, but it seems like if he’s going to be traded, this is the offseason where it will happen. And with his future in Las Vegas very much up in the air, Pelissero believes conversations will be held at the draft combine that could determine whether or not Crosby gets traded.
“It is a big week for the Raiders and Maxx Crosby, who have been having conversations about his future. If there is a time to discuss a trade, it is this week here in Indianapolis,” Pelissero said on “Good Morning Football.” “I would expect Crosby’s representatives and the Raiders to meet, but also, there could be a variety of different conversations with other teams about what a trade would look like in terms of who that trade could be to.”
Should the Raiders Trade Maxx Crosby?
GettyLas Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby
Whether or not the Raiders end up trading Crosby will likely depend on how he handles the situation. If he’s looking to force his way out of town, Las Vegas may be better off trading him and looking to recoup as much as possible for him. If he’s open to sticking around, though, the front office likely won’t be in a rush to trade him.
If Crosby is as fed up as the rumors seem to indicate he is, though, it may be tough for the Raiders to keep him in town. With a new regime in town, Las Vegas doesn’t need any sort of drama hovering around its team in 2026. Regardless of what the outcome may be, it’s clear that Crosby’s status will be worth watching as the draft combine unfolds.
Owen Crisafulli Owen Crisafulli is a Breaking News Writer at Heavy. In addition to writing for Heavy, Owen works as a Content Producer for More Views Media. His work has also appeared on ClutchPoints, The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, Basketball Network, and FanSided, where he shared his insights on a variety of sports topics primarily surrounding the NFL, NBA, and MLB. More about Owen Crisafulli
More Heavy on Raiders
Loading more stories