The Las Vegas Raiders are spiraling into chaos, cementing their status as one of the NFL’s most woeful franchises after a humiliating 40-6 thrashing at the hands of the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5. With their record plummeting to a dismal 1-4, the Raiders’ season is unraveling faster than a poorly thrown spiral. Offense, defense, special teams—every facet of the team was exposed as woefully inadequate in their latest debacle. Yet, amidst the wreckage, one player continues to shine like a lone beacon in a stormy sea: defensive end Maxx Crosby.
Even in a game where the Raiders were thoroughly outclassed, Crosby showed why he’s a perennial Pro Bowler. The 28-year-old edge rusher notched a tackle for loss, a pass defended, and a quarterback hit, proving once again that he’s among the NFL’s elite defenders. But even his relentless motor couldn’t mask the team’s deficiencies. Crosby’s passion and talent are undeniable, but his frustration is palpable. The man who signed a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension this offseason—locking him in with Las Vegas through 2029—has been vocal about his exhaustion with losing. And who can blame him? The Raiders are nowhere near playoff contention, and their trajectory suggests a long, painful rebuild looms on the horizon.
In a twist that speaks to the depths of Raiders fans’ despair, even the team’s most ardent supporters are starting to believe that Crosby’s talents are being squandered in Las Vegas. The fanbase, known for its unwavering loyalty, is now openly advocating for the unthinkable: trading their beloved star to give him a shot at glory elsewhere.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/pharoahnfl/status/1974917296444625257
“I wouldn’t even be mad or upset if Maxx Crosby requested a trade. Tattoos could be removed or drawn over,” one fan lamented on X, reflecting the growing sentiment that Crosby deserves better.
“Trade Maxx Crosby for the simple fact that we don’t deserve him,” another fan declared, a gut-punch admission of the team’s dire state.
A third fan went further, urging the Raiders to capitalize on Crosby’s value: “I think the Raiders need to trade Maxx Crosby to get more draft capital for next year. He should go to a good team.”
These aren’t just idle musings from disgruntled fans—they’re a cry for change from a fanbase that sees no light at the end of the tunnel. The Raiders’ new general manager, John Spytek, made it clear that Crosby is a cornerstone of the franchise by securing his massive extension. But at 28, Crosby is in the prime of his career, and a multi-year rebuild might not align with his competitive fire.
If the Raiders were to entertain the idea of trading Crosby, the return would need to be monumental. A player of his caliber doesn’t come cheap, especially for contending teams desperate for a game-changer on defense. A comparable trade might mirror the haul the Dallas Cowboys received for Micah Parsons: two first-round draft picks and a veteran defender. For a team like the Detroit Lions or Buffalo Bills—both eyeing a Super Bowl run—Crosby could be the missing piece to elevate their defense to championship caliber.
The challenge, however, lies in the finances. Crosby’s hefty contract means any trade would require careful salary cap maneuvering, especially mid-season when cap space is tight for most contenders. The Raiders, with ample cap space of their own, could sweeten the deal by absorbing a portion of Crosby’s salary for the current season, potentially increasing the trade return. It’s a bitter pill to swallow—parting with a player who embodies the team’s grit and heart—but the Raiders aren’t winning with him now, and the future looks bleak.
The Raiders’ collapse in Week 5 wasn’t just a loss; it was a stark reminder of how far they are from relevance. The offense sputtered, the defense crumbled, and special teams offered no reprieve. Crosby, for all his brilliance, can’t carry an entire franchise on his shoulders. As fans watch their team flounder, the calls to trade their star player grow louder—not out of disdain, but out of a reluctant acceptance that his talents might be better served elsewhere.
The idea of trading Maxx Crosby feels like a betrayal of everything the Raiders stand for. Yet, in a season where losses are piling up faster than penalties, it’s hard to argue with the fans’ logic. If the Raiders are serious about rebuilding, cashing in on Crosby’s value could provide the draft capital needed to reset the franchise. For now, the Silver and Black are a ship adrift, and their brightest star might just be the lifeboat they need to stay afloat.