Las Vegas Raiders GM Confirms Maxx Crosby's Future with Team

At the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek affirmed the team's intention to retain star edge rusher Maxx Crosby amidst ongoing trade speculation. Spytek emphasized, “Maxx is an elite player. I've been very upfront from the start since I got here, that we’re in the business of having really good players on the team, and we need a lot more of them.” This statement comes in the wake of a disappointing 3-14 season for the Raiders and the recent firing of head coach Pete Carroll after just one year.

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Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, has been recovering from left knee surgery, which he underwent shortly after the conclusion of the regular season. Despite being placed on injured reserve against his wishes, Crosby expressed his desire to remain with the Raiders, stating that rumors about wanting to leave the team are unfounded and even amusing to him.

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Crosby has been a significant contributor to the Raiders since being drafted in the fourth round out of Eastern Michigan in 2019. Over his seven-year career, he has accumulated 69½ sacks and achieved a career-high of 28 tackles for loss in the 2025 season. His performance has solidified his status as a key player for the franchise, further justifying Spytek's commitment to keeping him on the roster.

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While the Raiders' management is optimistic about Crosby's future, some critics question the team's overall direction following a season marked by poor performance and coaching changes. The decision to place Crosby on injured reserve has also drawn scrutiny, as it contradicted his desire to continue playing, raising concerns about player management and communication within the organization.

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Spytek's remarks at the combine reflect a broader strategy to build a competitive team, focusing on retaining elite talent like Crosby. The general manager's commitment to keeping Crosby is seen as a critical step in the Raiders' efforts to improve after a challenging season.

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• “Maxx is an elite player. I've been very upfront from the start since I got here, that we’re in the business of having really good players on the team, and we need a lot more of them,” — John Spytek, General Manager, Las Vegas Raiders

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• “Crosby said earlier this month he doesn't want out and that the unsubstantiated reports suggesting he does make him laugh.” — Maxx Crosby, Edge Rusher, Las Vegas Raiders

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As the Raiders prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on Crosby's rehabilitation and the team's overall strategy to enhance their roster. The organization aims to address the challenges faced during the previous season while maintaining key players like Crosby to foster a more competitive environment.

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