Raiders GM Downplays Maxx Crosby Trade Buzz Amid Rumors of 'Strained' Relationship

While the Las Vegas Raiders are undergoing a reboot after firing head coach Pete Carroll on Monday, general manager John Spytek didn't sound anxious to trade away star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby.

After The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported the "strained" relationship between Crosby and the Raiders could lead to a trade, Spytek told reporters the pass-rusher "didn't love the idea" of missing the final two games of the 2025 campaign.

"I love Maxx," he continued. "He embodies what a Raider is. I've been pretty up front with that from the day I sat up here a year ago and I continue to believe that."

Las Vegas announced on Dec. 27 that it placed Crosby on the reserve/injured list for the rest of the season following "deliberate and thorough consultation with multiple top medical professionals."

However, Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported Crosby "vehemently disagreed" with the decision and "left the building," which "could lead to questions on his future in Vegas."

There is no doubt Crosby is one of the best pass-rushers in the league. He was also named to his fifth straight Pro Bowl after notching 73 tackles, 10 sacks, six passes defended, two forced fumbles and an interception in 15 games this season.

Any defense, including the Raiders', would be much better with him lined up along the defensive front.

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Yet he is also going to be 29 years old next season and remains under contract through the 2029 campaign. Las Vegas' roster is a number of pieces away from being a realistic contender in the AFC, and trading one player in Crosby for a significant return could help it close the gap with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West.

If it isn't going to be a realistic contender in the immediate future, moving him could help accelerate the likely rebuild it is facing after a 3-14 season.

That is especially true if the return package includes plenty of draft capital seeing how the Raiders already have the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. Landing even more early-round picks in the next year or two could help the front office accumulate an entire core of young difference-makers.

Given that reality and reports of a "strained" relationship, Crosby's name will likely continue to circulate in trade rumors this offseason.