On Thursday, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero joined The Rich Eisen Show at the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis and discussed the hottest rumor of the NFL offseason so far: Will the Las Vegas Raiders trade star defensive end Maxx Crosby?
“I would say it is fair to assume that the Raiders are getting many calls about Maxx Crosby,” Pelissero said, while acknowledging that Raiders general manager John Spytek had just told reporters he feels confident that Crosby will remain a Raider.
Pelissero continued, “Is there a world where Maxx Crosby gets traded in the next seven to 10 days? I believe there is. We’re not there yet in terms of a deal actually getting done.”
Crosby made the prospect of acquiring him all the more enticing on Friday.
The 28-year-old Pro Bowler posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing his progress since undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in early January. In the video, Crosby is seen on his at-home basketball court. He says, “A couple of weeks out, no crutches anymore. We’re walking. We’re moving.” Crosby shouted out his team before adding, “We’re rolling and cooking, and I’m still a shooter.” He drained a free throw, for good measure.
While the Raiders were a league-worst 3-14 last season, Crosby remained productive. He put up 10 sacks and 28 tackles for loss before Las Vegas shut him down for the season in late December. He missed the final two games, and FOX’s NFL insider Jay Glazer reported at the time that Crosby “vehemently disagreed and has left the building.”
Crosby has not publicly demanded a trade, but it has been widely whispered about that he would rather play for a contender than be part of yet another rebuild in Vegas.
“A trade could be beneficial for both sides. Crosby, 28, could get an opportunity to play for a true contender,” ESPN’s Ryan McFadden relayed earlier this month. Meanwhile, the Raiders would have a dead-cap hit of $5.1 million but save $30.69 million, according to OverTheCap.com. Las Vegas could also add draft capital to help build on its roster.”
McFadden continued, “Still, there’s a strong argument in keeping Crosby. Edge rushers are a premium position, and Crosby is continuously one of the best in the league. He earned his fifth Pro Bowl selection in 2025 after 10 sacks in 15 games. And we’ve seen teams turn things around in one season. The Patriots, for example, appeared in Super Bowl LX despite finishing 4-13 in 2024.”
The Raiders recently hired Klint Kubiak, fresh off winning Super Bowl LX as Seattle’s offensive coordinator, as their new head coach. As noted by McFadden, the Raiders also promoted Rob Leonard, Crosby’s defensive line coach, to defensive coordinator.
ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio has reported that the Raiders are seeking two first-round draft picks and a player in exchange for Crosby.
Crosby has spent his entire NFL career with the Raiders. The organization found him in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Las Vegas is expected to draft former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a reigning Heisman winner and national champion, with the No. 1 overall pick in April’s 2026 NFL Draft.
