By admin 
The Raiders wanted to trade Maxx Crosby in the offseason. But the Ravens backed out, and Crosby returned to the Raiders. Now Crosby wants to stay in Las Vegas.
Read more Myles Garrett, Rams Dealt Massive Blow After Week 1 Loss
But the Raiders shouldn’t even consider Crosby’s desires if given the opportunity to trade him.
Ian Rapoport reported that after the trade with the Ravens fell through, Crosby told other teams he didn’t want to be traded. He wanted to stay with the Raiders.
“Crosby let it be known to anyone interested that he did not want to be traded. He wanted to remain with the Raiders and let his own organization know as well,” Rapoport wrote.
Crosby has been the face of the franchise since the Raiders moved to Las Vegas in 2020. He has been one of the best edge rushers in the NFL. But none of that should allow Crosby to dictate what the Raiders do.
The Raiders’ Logic
Las Vegas did already agree to trade Maxx Crosby, and the reasoning was simple. Crosby is now 29 years old, while the Raiders are not set to contend this season. By the time the Raiders’ rebuild is complete, Crosby may be out of his prime.
Securing Baltimore’s two first-round picks that would match the Raiders’ timeline would have been maximizing assets.
Read more College Football Fans Think Nick Saban Is ‘Sick’ Of Pat McAfee
The logic behind trading Crosby didn’t change after Baltimore backed out. It still should hold today. But the offers for Crosby did change.
According to Rapoport, the Rams, Eagles, Cowboys and 49ers were interested in trading for Crosby after Baltimore pulled the plug. However, no trade materialized because the Raiders were being offered “pennies on the dollar” for Crosby.
The Raiders shouldn’t trade Crosby for just anything simply because there is a timing mismatch. But what Las Vegas considers to be too cheap is important. If another team were to offer a single first-round pick for Crosby at the trade deadline, Las Vegas should certainly consider it even though it is less of a haul than what Baltimore was going to give up.
General manager John Spytek needs to make consistent decisions that align with the Raiders’ rebuild. Electing to sit first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza to start the season is a clear sign the Raiders are more concerned with the future than the present. Trading Crosby away for picks would match that same thought process.
Crosby may be beloved by fans and within the organization. But Spytek can’t be swayed by Crosby’s desire to stay in Las Vegas if he’s given a chance to set up the future.
Read more Deion Sanders Shows Public Support For Protect College Sports Bill
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published September 13, 2026 at 9:04 AM.