Maxx Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders had a difficult week before their Week 17 game against the New York Giants. With the Raiders close to securing the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, Crosby was shut down for the remaining two games by the team due to a knee injury.
But the star edge rusher did not agree with the decision, storming out after learning that he wouldn’t play against the Giants.
Could Maxx Crosby Ask for a Trade and Leave the Las Vegas Raiders?
Crosby has returned to the facility ahead of Sunday’s Week 18 regular-season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, with the relationship between player and team seemingly strained, the development is prompting trade rumors before the offseason.
There’s no doubt about how much value Crosby brings to the franchise. Despite the team’s poor on-field results, he has consistently been one of the team’s most reliable pieces on either side of the ball.
Still, the fact is that he’ll be 29 at the start of the 2026 season and has played in just one playoff game.
With the offseason approaching and the Raiders close to entering another rebuild, Sports Illustrated insider Albert Breer stated that this could be the year when the defender finally asks to be moved to a more competitive team:
As for Crosby, I think this is probably the closest he’s been to asking for a trade, and I’m not saying he will. His age, mileage and workload seem to be showing up with injuries and in his play down the stretch. If he’s feeling his football mortality a bit (he’ll be 29 on opening day of the 2026 season), that would be understandable, and that could push him to pursue a ring elsewhere.
Crosby holds a dead cap charge of $35.1 million if the Raiders decide to release him. At the moment, there is no indication the team is planning such a move. But, in case of a trade, they can save $30.7 million in cap space with just $5.1 million in penalties, according to Spotrac. Financially, it’s possible.
This is the fourth time in seven NFL seasons that Crosby has at least 10 sacks. He continues to make a huge difference when he’s on the field, despite injuries and his age starting to catch up to him. Playing on a competitive team could lead to him making big plays in bigger stages, especially in playoff games.
Despite the fact he missed Week 17, Crosby’s 73 tackles, including 10.0 sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles, and six defensed passes have him ranked No. 1 in our PFSN EDGE Impact Rankings, earning a grade of 95.8.
