Published December 30, 2025

In a move that’s left the NFL speechless, Las Vegas Raiders superstar defensive end Maxx Crosby didn’t demand more money, threaten a trade, or leak frustration to the media.

He quietly offered to take a pay cut just to remain a Raider for life.

This isn’t a fading veteran clinging to his last years. Crosby is in his prime — an irreplaceable force, a locker room leader, and the heart of the Raiders’ defense. He’s not replaceable. He’s not done. He believes in unfinished business, in continuity, and in building championships the right way.

One AFC executive summed up the league’s reaction perfectly: “That doesn’t happen anymore.”

The Moment Everything Changed

When Crosby approached the Raiders’ front office with his willingness to restructure and take less to help the team, he wasn’t posturing for leverage.

He was all in on Las Vegas — the city, the fans, the franchise.

The Raiders’ Response Stunned Everyone

Instead of negotiating him down or taking advantage of his loyalty, the Raiders did something rare in today’s NFL: They met his sacrifice with

respect.

They recognized his true worth — not just as a player, but as the soul of the team. No lowball offers. No exploitation. Just a clear message: You’re family. Your value here goes beyond the cap sheet.

Why This Hits Different

In an era of holdouts, mega-deals, and player movement, Crosby’s gesture is a throwback to loyalty. But the Raiders’ handling of it? That’s modern leadership at its best.

Inside the locker room, this resonates deeply. You don’t ask your leaders to bleed quietly — you honor them.

For Las Vegas, it’s proof they’re not just collecting talent. They’re building a culture.

Reactions Pouring In Across the NFL

Executives, players, and analysts are buzzing. Crosby’s selflessness combined with the Raiders’ class has set a new standard. In a league full of drama, this is the kind of story that reminds everyone why we love the game.

Maxx Crosby didn’t ask to be the highest-paid defender. He didn’t demand guarantees. He just asked to stay.

And the Raiders made sure he knew: He’s home.

Raider Nation, this is your captain. And he’s not going anywhere.

🏴‍☠️ What do you think — is this the most Raider thing ever? Sound off below! 🔥

Posted January 2, 2026 | By NFL Insider

LAS VEGAS, NV — With just days remaining before the Raiders close out a disastrous season against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium, a shocking confrontation has erupted inside the

Las Vegas Raiders locker room between rookie standout Ashton Jeanty and quarterback Geno Smith.

Multiple team sources confirm that middle linebacker Ashton Jeanty — the 2025 second-round pick who has emerged as the heart and soul of the defense — finally reached his breaking point after another crushing loss dropped the Raiders to 2-14.

In a heated team meeting, Jeanty reportedly stared directly at Smith and unleashed:

“I’ve carried this all season. I protected this locker room, I protected him but I’m done pretending everything’s fine. Not before a game like this.”

He then continued, according to witnesses:

“If you can’t lead us, step aside. We’re not carrying dead weight. This team needs a real leader — not someone who follows.”

The room fell silent. Younger players nodded in agreement, while veterans attempted to calm the situation without success.

The boiling-point context:

• The Raiders have lost 12 of their last 14 games, with the offense — led by Geno Smith (acquired in an offseason trade from Seattle) — consistently criticized for being predictable and overly conservative.
• Jeanty, despite being a rookie, leads the team in tackles and has been the loudest defensive voice all year, repeatedly shielding Smith from media criticism.
• Last week’s 34-10 blowout loss to the Bills proved to be the final straw: Smith threw three interceptions and the offense managed just 10 points despite the defense holding Buffalo under 200 total yards in the first half.

Immediate fallout:

• Geno Smith declined to address the incident in detail as he left the facility, saying only, “We’ll handle it internally.”
• Head coach Pete Carroll, already under heavy fire and widely expected to be fired on Black Monday, reportedly held separate closed-door meetings with both players but has made no public statement.
• Anonymous teammates describe a divided locker room: the younger core backing Jeanty’s frustration, while veterans worry the public airing will further fracture team morale.

With Sunday’s meaningless Raiders-Chiefs clash looming (January 4, 2026), all eyes are now on whether this explosive confrontation will completely unravel the Raiders before the season mercifully ends — or serve as the spark for a much-needed overhaul in the offseason.

From “model rookie” to outspoken critic overnight, Ashton Jeanty has voiced what many in the building have been thinking for months. Raider Nation is split: some praise his honesty, others fear it crosses the line on veteran respect. One thing is clear — the 2025 Raiders season may be over on paper, but the real drama is just beginning.