Raiders GM Breaks Silence on Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors — And His Answer Was Clear
For weeks, Maxx Crosby’s name has been floating in trade speculation.
Super Bowl week whispers.
Frustration after another losing season.
Injured reserve.
A minor meniscus procedure in January.
And a simple question hanging over Las Vegas:
Is the Raiders’ best player on his way out?
On Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine, GM John Spytek finally addressed it.
His response?
“I do, yes.”
As in — yes, he expects Maxx Crosby to be on the Raiders in 2026.
🗣️ “We Have a Great Relationship”
Spytek didn’t dodge. He didn’t pivot.
He leaned in.
“Maxx and I have a great relationship. He’s in the building every day getting healthy right now. We talk on the phone, we text.”
That’s not the language of a GM preparing to ship out a franchise cornerstone.
That’s the language of reassurance.
💰 The Trade Temptation Is Real
Let’s be honest: trading Crosby would bring a haul.
The Raiders are talent-thin.
They hold the No. 1 pick.
They’re rebuilding again.
An elite, disruptive edge rusher in his prime could command multiple premium assets.
But Spytek made his philosophy clear:
“It’s hard to build a great team without elite players.”
Translation?
Why trade the one thing you’re trying to acquire?
🏆 Crosby Wants to Win — Now
Crosby has made just one playoff appearance in seven seasons.
He’s publicly expressed the desire to compete for championships.
And right now, the Raiders are coming off a 3–14 season.
That tension fuels the rumors.
Spytek countered with a reminder: the NFL turns around fast.
- Patriots: 4 wins → Super Bowl appearance
- Commanders: No. 2 pick → NFC Championship
“This league is littered with examples,” Spytek said. “We’re going to build it the right way.”
It’s a promise — but one that needs proof.
🧠 Read Between the Lines
Would a GM publicly admit at the Combine that he’s planning to trade his superstar?
Of course not.
That’s why the rumors won’t disappear overnight.
But the tone matters.
Spytek didn’t leave wiggle room.
He didn’t say “we’ll see.”
He said he expects Crosby to be in silver and black next season.
That’s as strong as it gets in late February.
⚔️ What Happens Next?
The Raiders are entering a new era under head coach Klint Kubiak.
They have draft capital.
Cap flexibility.
A potential franchise quarterback decision looming.
Keeping Crosby signals something important:
This isn’t a teardown.
It’s a reset built around elite talent — not away from it.
If Vegas truly believes it can contend quickly, Crosby is the foundation.
And for now, at least publicly, he’s not going anywhere.
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