The Las Vegas Raiders have officially announced former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as the team’s new head coach following his victory in Super Bowl LX. And with that handled, the Raiders can now turn their focus to other issues, and arguably the most important is their relationship with star defensive end and team captain Maxx Crosby.
Crosby has proven himself to be one of the best defensive players on the planet since being drafted in 2019, having made five consecutive Pro Bowls and two All-Pro Teams. But he has also made his frustration at the lack of team success very well known with many wondering if the two sides might part ways this offseason.
But Kubiak made it clear that he wants Crosby to remain with the Raiders going forward, via Ryan McFadden of ESPN:
“We want him to be a part of our success going forward. There’s no doubt about that,” Kubiak said during his introductory news conference Tuesday. “He’s one of the best players in the NFL, so that’s a no-brainer to get to work with Maxx and see him continue to have success with his organization.”
Kubiak also noted that he met with Crosby prior to his introductory press conference and looks forward to continuing to grow their relationship:
“I got a cup of coffee with Maxx this morning. Love talking with him. And look forward to continuing those conversations,” Kubiak said.
Crosby has made it clear that he wants to win, and would prefer to do so with the Raiders. But the team still seems far away from competing, especially after this season in which the team had the worst record in the NFL. Of course, Kubiak would prefer to have one of the best defensive players on the planet remain on his roster, but the decision isn’t solely about him.
Thankfully, Raiders owner Mark Davis also seems to be on the same page about wanting Crosby to remain with the franchise:
“Maxx has been a great, great Raider. He is a great Raider. He’s gone through a lifetime of development here for seven or eight years, and he still is a Raider. So, it’s all good,” Davis said after Kubiak’s news conference.
Crosby gives the Raiders a true cornerstone player to continue to build around and set the tone for anyone who walks into the building should he remain. But all eyes will still be on the franchise this offseason to see how this all winds up and whether Crosby is on this roster once training camp rolls around.
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