Maxx Crosby Puts NFL on Notice With Stern Message Amid Raiders Rumors

Things are looking up for the Las Vegas Raiders, as they secured the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and the likely quarterback they’re going to draft, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, looks like a future star. However, they still have some big things they have to figure out.

Star defensive end Maxx Crosby was shut down with two games left in the season, which he wasn’t happy about. Despite his obvious displeasure, Crosby did recently have to undergo surgery. It remains to be seen just how long he’ll be out, but it’s hard to imagine he’ll be able to participate in the entire offseason program.

There is also talk that he could ask the Raiders to trade him this offseason. Crosby hasn’t addressed his situation with Las Vegas in depth, but he’s clearly ready to attack the offseason. He issued a strong warning to any of his doubters in a social media post.

“Everything Happens For A Reason,” Crosby wrote on X. “What’s Meant To Be Cannot Be Denied. What’s Already Known Doesn’t Have To Be Explained. When It’s All Said & Done… I Will Be A Champion & One Of The Greatest To Ever Do It. They Can Sleep & Doubt All They Want But Cream Always Rises To The Top…. The Greatest Days Are Ahead. 8 Surgeries In. Obsession. Discomfort. Sacrifice. I’m Willing To Give It All To Achieve My Goals. Adversity Will Always Reveal A Man’s Character. Year 8 Incoming.. This (expletive) Is About To Be Iconic. Don’t Blink.”

Will Crosby Be a Raider Next Season?

It’s expected that the Raiders would get at least two first-round picks in return if they trade Crosby. The fact that he finished his second season in a row with surgeries might scare teams a bit.

Regardless, if the Raiders trade him, they’re going to get a lot in return, even if they can’t get two first-round picks. It seems unlikely they would trade him unless he asks for one. He’s the face of the franchise and the leader of the team. He has also been their best player for years. Nobody would fault him for wanting to go to a franchise that’s closer to competing for a championship, but it remains to be seen if he’ll want out.

Does Crosby Want to Stay in Las Vegas?

Crosby doesn’t have a ton of leverage, as he signed a big contract extension last offseason. He’s under team control until 2029.

In the past, Crosby has made it very clear that he doesn’t want to play for another team, but the Raiders might have hurt their relationship with him when they put him on Injured Reserve.

At the same time, the Raiders now have the No. 1 pick and a chance to land a franchise quarterback. That means a lot more to the team than Crosby playing in a couple of meaningless games. He will likely wait to see how the offseason plays out. If the Raiders land a promising head coach and Mendoza looks like the real deal, that could be enough to convince Crosby that it’s worth it to stay in Las Vegas.