As the Arizona Cardinals (3-12) spiral downward toward a potential top-five 2026 draft pick, the lowly Las Vegas Raiders (2-13) aren’t taking any chances of losing out on being No. 1.

That includes risking the working relationship and accepting ire from the Raiders’ best player, Maxx Crosby.

The Raiders’ two-time All-Pro defensive end Crosby was informed by the team on Friday, Dec. 26, that they do not plan to play him in their Week 17 home game against the New York Giants on Dec. 28, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport. The Raiders said Crosby has been dealing with a knee injury “since October.” Crosby exited the team building after he “vehemently disagreed” with the team’s decision because he still wants to play, according to NFL on Fox.

Raiders coach Pete Carroll backed Crosby’s departure from their facility.

“It was exactly like you would think he would do,” Carroll said. “And I agree with him a 1000% on it.”

“It was exactly like you would think he would do. And I agree with him a 1000% on it.”

Raiders coach Pete Carroll confirms reports of Raiders captain Maxx Crosby leaving the team facility upon receiving the news he will not be playing Sunday against the Giants.

🎥: By… pic.twitter.com/OSxygUgzdD

— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) December 26, 2025

Crosby defied the idea of the Raiders tanking for the No. 1 pick when the media asked him about it earlier this week.

“Yeah, I don’t give a (expletive) about the pick, to be honest,” Crosby said. “I don’t play for that. That’s not my job. My job is to be the best defensive end in the world. Being a great leader, being an influence.”

Crosby has two years left on his three-year, $106.5 million contract, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if he asks for a trade after this dispute with the team’s front office.

The Raiders and Giants are tied for the league’s worst record and are on nine-game skids. The teams are currently projected to have the No. 2 and No. 1 picks, respectively, in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Raiders are in dire need of a quarterback as the team has struggled all season under veteran QB Geno Smith. Heisman Trophy winner, Fernando Mendoza of the College Football Playoff’s top seed, Indiana, is projected to be the No. 1 pick.

The Cardinals are currently projected to have the No. 6 draft pick. Their record is tied with the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets and Tennessee Titans, who are in the No. 3, 4 and 5 spots entering this weekend.