As the NFL trade deadline looms just days away, the Las Vegas Raiders have made it clear they’re holding onto star edge rusher Maxx Crosby—for now. But whispers of a potential blockbuster deal down the line are already stirring, especially if the Silver and Black falter in the closing stretch of the 2025 season. With Crosby firmly in his prime and delivering game-changing performances, it’s no surprise that playoff contenders are eyeing him as a missing piece for their rosters.
This offseason could turn into a rumor mill frenzy, with teams dialing up the Raiders to gauge interest in a trade. Crosby, a cornerstone of the franchise, knows his name will be tossed around until Las Vegas builds a winner around him. In a candid appearance on the “Let’s Go!” podcast with Jim Gray, the defensive standout dropped some unfiltered truth about tuning out the distractions that have been swirling in recent weeks.
“I really try to block out all the noise,” Crosby shared with Gray. “Rumors and things of that nature, I can’t control. It’s just a waste of time and energy when it comes to that. Walking through the facility and seeing it all over the TVs with teammates around, it’s awkward—stuff like that. I’m focused on now, where my feet are, and on winning. That’s all I want to do—win and get this team to where we need to be.”
Crosby’s loyalty shines through, but he’s not blind to the Raiders’ harsh reality. Sitting at a dismal 2-5 record, the team is staring down another likely playoff drought unless they pull off a miracle turnaround. Still, the All-Pro isn’t looking for an exit ramp; he’s committed to flipping the script from within.
“It’s not there at the moment, but we have another opportunity coming up,” Crosby emphasized. “We have a chance every day to get better, so it’s got to be everyone. For me, like I said, there’s no comfortability. All my focus is on being the best version of myself, whether that’s on the field or off it, and bringing this team to where we need to be. That’s all I care about.”
Adding to the uncertainty, Crosby’s availability for the upcoming clash against the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 2 is in question. The Raiders’ Week 9 injury report, released on October 29, listed him as a limited participant due to a nagging back issue. The team might err on the side of caution and sit him out, forcing others to fill the void on the defensive front.
If Crosby is sidelined, second-year pro Tyree Wilson is ready to shoulder more responsibility. The 25-year-old has notched two sacks this season and understands the challenge of stepping up without trying to mimic his teammate’s intensity.
“I’m not going to say Maxx being out [now] I got to be Maxx Crosby,” Wilson told reporters on October 29. “I’m still going to be myself, but with him being out, he brings an energetic piece to practice, flying around to the ball and talking that. With me coming in, I’ve got to step into a role where I make the plays he isn’t making and bring energy to the D-line, defense, and the whole team. I’m just trying to be myself while filling that role as well.”
As the Raiders navigate this turbulent chapter, Crosby’s message is crystal clear: He’s all in on turning things around in Las Vegas. But if the wins don’t start piling up, those offseason trade talks could heat up faster than a desert summer.