Maxx Crosby Explains Making Trade Threat If Raiders Didn't Hire Antonio Pierce as HC

Before Antonio Pierce was hired as the Las Vegas Raiders head coach, defensive end Maxx Crosby was vocal in his support for the then-interim coach.

Following the end of the regular season, Crosby said on his podcast, "The Rush," that if the Raiders decided not to hire Pierce, his time in Las Vegas could come to an end.

"I want to be a Raider," Crosby said. "But if we go in a different direction, there is nothing that is off the table."

Per the New York Post's Jenna Lemoncelli, Crosby clarified his comments about his future had the Raiders not hired Pierce.

"I mean, sometimes being a leader isn't the most popular thing… it's not the easiest thing," Crosby said. "It's not always about doing the easiest and most popular route. And for me, I know I spoke for myself — that's what being a leader is. And I was speaking for the guys, I was speaking for the organization. And that's all that matters to me."

Ultimately, the Raiders decided to hire Pierce as the team's head coach, and it seems Crosby will remain in Las Vegas for now.

Crosby's desire to keep Pierce around was well warranted. After he took over as interim head coach in November, he led the Raiders to a respectable 5-4 finish that included a signature win over the Kansas City Chiefs and a real chance at making the playoffs late in the season.

Now with a full offseason to prepare with his team, Pierce will be looking to get Las Vegas to the postseason for the first time since 2021.