{"id":770109,"date":"2026-02-23T01:08:29","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T01:08:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/770109\/"},"modified":"2026-02-23T01:08:29","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T01:08:29","slug":"raiders-face-rebuild-maxx-crosbys-future-uncertain-ahead-of-nfl-combine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/770109\/","title":{"rendered":"Raiders face rebuild, Maxx Crosby\u2019s future uncertain ahead of NFL combine"},"content":{"rendered":"

The stars might finally be lining up for a real and earnest rebuild<\/a> for the Raiders.<\/p>\n

They hold the first pick overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, which will undoubtedly be used to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, and nine other selections to devote to the infrastructure around the reigning Heisman Trophy winner.<\/p>\n

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They also have the second-most cap space in the league at a projected $91 million, which will grow by $8 million with the expected release of quarterback Geno Smith, and the equivalent cash on hand to pour into the roster.<\/p>\n

\"Indiana<\/p>\n

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) lifts the trophy after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Those resources, coupled with the persuasion of minority owner Tom Brady, the club\u2019s de facto president of football operations, helped them land new head coach Klint Kubiak, the most coveted offensive mind<\/a> in this year\u2019s coaching cycle.<\/p>\n

An incredible amount of work lies ahead for a club that finished in a four-way tie for the NFL\u2019s worst record, but for the first time in decades, they have the means, resources and like-minded leadership group to put the franchise on course for success.<\/p>\n

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\u201cNow it\u2019s time to execute,\u201d said someone with knowledge of the club\u2019s thinking.<\/p>\n

As the Raiders\u2019 decision-makers settle in Indianapolis next week for the NFL scouting combine, here are some things they will be focused on:<\/p>\n

The Maxx Crosby situation<\/p>\n

Maxx Crosby, the Raiders\u2019 game-wrecking edge rusher,<\/a> dominated the news cycle during Super Bowl week, with multiple reports surfacing that he might balk at yet another rebuild in Las Vegas. His uneasiness is understandable, given the multiple resets he\u2019s signed off on over the years that led him and the franchise nowhere.<\/p>\n

Crosby will turn 29 years old just before the start of next season, and as he scans the remaining years he has at peak level, the itch to win and play on the NFL\u2019s biggest stages continues to grow. Would anybody blame him if he asked for a trade to a team that presents a more immediate chance to win and the opportunity to showcase his immense talents in meaningful games?<\/p>\n

\"Maxx<\/p>\n

Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs off the field after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 14, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Getty Images<\/p>\n

At the least, Crosby has earned the right to sit down with Brady, general manager John Spytek and Kubiak to get a feel for the new plan and, as importantly, the timeline they have in mind to put the Raiders in position to compete at a high level.<\/p>\n

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Crosby bleeds silver and black,<\/a> and it would surprise no one if he buys into the Raiders\u2019 latest blueprint. But his desire to maximize his immediate future could guide him to a different conclusion.<\/p>\n

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One way or another, expect to get some clarity this week in Indianapolis, with the Raiders getting a better handle on Crosby\u2019s wishes and, just as pertinently, getting an idea of what type of compensation might be available to them should he ask for a trade.<\/p>\n

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The teams lining up to acquire Crosby would be in double digits, according to multiple league sources, and likely drive the return to a minimum of two first-round picks.<\/p>\n

Ideally, the Raiders return home to Las Vegas in lockstep with Crosby. But moving on from him, albeit reluctantly, could help expedite their rebuild.<\/p>\n

\"Las<\/p>\n

Las Vegas Raiders new head coach Klint Kubiak smiles during an introductory news conference at the NFL football team\u2019s training facility Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, in Henderson, Nev. AP<\/p>\n

Offensive line<\/p>\n

For various reasons, the Raiders fielded the NFL\u2019s worst offensive line last year, an irrefutable fact backed up by the 64 sacks they surrendered and by fielding the league\u2019s worst rushing attack.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t help that ankle injuries limited left tackle Kolton Miller to the first three games of the season and Jackson Powers-Johnson\u2019s second season to eight games.<\/p>\n

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Getting both players back will go a long way.<\/p>\n

That said, the feeling in the Raiders\u2019 building is that coaching was also an issue, leading to the stalled growth of right tackle DJ Glaze and the slow development of rookies Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant. The club believes it solved the problem with Kubiak\u2019s hire and his decision to bring longtime offensive line guru Rick Dennison with him to Las Vegas.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, more talent is needed. The good news? This year\u2019s free agent market is projected to yield multiple options, with Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, and guards Isaac Seumalo (Steelers), David Edwards (Bills) and Alijah Vera-Tucker (Jets) all potentially hitting the open market.<\/p>\n

The Raiders will also get a close-up look at Oregon interior offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon, Georgia\u2019s Monroe Freeling (tackle), Clemson\u2019s Blake Miller (tackle), Iowa\u2019s Gennings Dunker (tackle), Arizona State\u2019s Max Iheanachor (tackle), Northwestern\u2019s Caleb Tiernan (tackle), Auburn\u2019s Connor Lew (interior) and Florida\u2019s Jake Slaughter (interior) from a deep OL draft class in Indianapolis.<\/p>\n

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Linebacker<\/p>\n

The Raiders are likely facing a minimum two-year rebuild, with needs at wide receiver, rush end, cornerback and offensive line among the most pressing.<\/p>\n

But linebacker is as dire as any, with all three of last year\u2019s starters set to hit free agency and no guarantee that Elandon Roberts, Jamal Adams or Devin White will return. That leaves youngsters Jack Eichenberg, Cody Lindenberg and Jamin Davis as the only linebackers under contract.<\/p>\n

The Packers\u2019 Quay Walker and the Jaguars\u2019 Devin Lloyd are free agents to keep an eye on, with both players fitting the Raiders\u2019 ideal talent-to-age profile.<\/p>\n

Indianapolis will also provide a good look at Cincinnati\u2019s Jake Golday, Alabama\u2019s Deontae Lawson, Missouri\u2019s Josiah Trotter, Texas Tech\u2019s Jacob Rodriguez, Utah\u2019s Lander Barton and Pitt\u2019s Kyle Louis.<\/p>\n