Raiders Trade News
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby could be traded before the start of free agency on March 11. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport said the scenario is “not impossible.”
Crosby underwent meniscus repair surgery on his left knee on January 8. The procedure typically requires three to four months of recovery. Rapoport clarified that the surgery was a repair and not a trim. Crosby is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation. He will likely not be medically cleared before the new league year begins. This means any potential trade might come later in the offseason.
The 28-year-old pass rusher injured his knee in mid-October against Kansas City. He played through the injury for most of the season before the Raiders placed him on injured reserve with two games remaining.
Crosby finished the 2025 season with 10 sacks and a career-high 28 tackles for loss in 15 games. He earned his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl selection. His career total now stands at 69.5 sacks across seven seasons.
The timing of his surgery complicates potential trade discussions. Teams rarely complete major trades while a player is recovering from significant surgery. Rapoport noted a deal could happen at the 2026 NFL Draft or before the regular season begins. The Cowboys traded linebacker Micah Parsons in late August last year. That transaction provides precedent for a later offseason move. Crosby discussed his recovery timeline on his podcast in January.
The Raiders are entering a rebuild under new head coach Klint Kubiak. The team officially announced Kubiak’s hiring on Monday following Seattle’s Super Bowl victory. Kubiak served as the Seahawks offensive coordinator during their championship run.
Las Vegas holds the first overall pick in April’s draft. The team is expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The franchise went 3-14 in 2025 under Pete Carroll in his only season as head coach.
Crosby has voiced his desire to compete for championships. He left the team facility upset after the Raiders shut him down for the final two games. The decision came as Las Vegas secured the top draft pick.
Raiders general manager John Spytek spoke about Crosby’s character in recent weeks. He praised the defensive end’s commitment despite disagreeing with the decision to sit out. Crosby embodies what it means to be a Raider, Spytek said.
Crosby signed a three-year contract extension worth $106.5 million on March 5, 2025. The deal included $91.5 million in guaranteed payments. He will carry a $30 million cap hit in 2026.
Multiple teams are expected to express interest if the Raiders make Crosby available. Rapoport suggested a late first-round pick could be realistic compensation. That would be less than the package Dallas received for Parsons.
The Raiders drafted Crosby in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Eastern Michigan. He has started 110 games for the franchise. His 324 quarterback pressures since 2019 lead all NFL players. Crosby said on his podcast he expects to return to full health by June. That timeline would have him ready for training camp. The Raiders begin their offseason program in mid-April.
Raiders owner Mark Davis has always spoken highly of Crosby. Whether the organization grants his wish for a fresh start remains to be seen. Any decision will come after Kubiak settles into his new role.