Maxx Crosby
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 23: Defensive end Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts after a tackle against the Arizona Cardinals during first half of the NFL preseason 2025 game at State Farm Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders held an introductory press conference for some key free-agent signings, including center Tyler Linderbaum, pass rusher Kwity Paye, wide receiver Jalen Nailor, and linebacker Quay Walker. During the press conference, a few of them were asked about their thoughts on having the opportunity to play alongside star pass rusher Maxx Crosby, who’s back with the team after the Baltimore Ravens pulled out of the trade agreement.
Tyler Linderbaum, Kwity Paye, Quay Walker Comment on Maxx Crosby
Tyler Linderbaum, who signed a historic three-year, $81 million deal, making him the highest-paid center in NFL history, is by far the Raiders’ biggest addition to the team. A former first-round pick in the 2022 draft by the Ravens, Linderbaum has earned three consecutive Pro Bowl honors in just four seasons in the NFL.
Now that he has the opportunity to practice against Crosby, he’s glad he’s on his team.
“You know, obviously, we love Maxx to be here and play with him. I’ve gone against him. He’s not fun to go against. How we have to scout him, and just his ability to lead a team is pretty special.”
Kwity Paye, who people initially believed was signed to replace Crosby, now has the chance to line up on the opposite side to rush the quarterback. And he knows it’s a big deal having Crosby back on the Raiders.
“It’s gonna be crazy. Just seeing him pursue and just his relentless pursuit throughout the down. Just being able to play with him and get after it. I played with Jonah [Laulu] in Indy for a little bit and just playing with him. Playing with some ballers. It’ll be great.”
Paye also added that he believes there’s still a part of his game he can unlock now that he has a fresh start in Las Vegas.
“Indy was great, but there’s a part in me that felt like I could do more. I got the opportunity to do so here.”
Then there’s Quay Walker, who said he’s already spoken to Crosby on multiple occasions since landing in Las Vegas and kept in contact with corner Eric Stokes during the free agency process, adding that keeping Maxx in Las Vegas will be a huge help for him in the back end.
“It’s a lot to do. Having him and Kwity, the ball is probably going to come out fast, so that helps us on the back end. There’s so much [Crosby] can do, and the intensity that he plays with. I love his play style and I can’t wait to play alongside him and match his energy.”
Walker isn’t the only major free-agent addition the team made at linebacker. The Raiders also signed Nakobe Dean to a three-year, $36 million deal, and he sent a message to Raider Nation.
“Hey what’s up Raider Nation. Nakobe Dean here. I’m excited. Let’s get this work in. RAIDERS!”
Crosby is Here to Stay in Las Vegas
Crosby posted a message on X confirming he’s ready to run it back with the Raiders.
“Everything Happens For A Reason. Believe Nothing You Hear & Half Of What You See. Im A Raider. I’m Back. Run That Sh*t.🦅
🏴☠️”
Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk also added that the Raiders are telling teams Crosby won’t be traded:
“Maxx is back. And he’s apparently not leaving again.
Per a league source, the Raiders are currently telling teams that defensive end Maxx Crosby won’t be traded, in the aftermath of the failed effort to ship him to the Ravens for a pair of first-round picks.
The Raiders, we’re told, never wanted to trade him. He wanted out. Now that he’s back and has publicly recommitted to the Raiders, he’s staying put.”
The Raiders are making all the right moves during free agency, and now that Crosby is back, it’s going to be hard for opposing offenses to have time to throw the ball when playing against Las Vegas.
The Raiders, currently with $37.9 million in cap space as of March 12th, aren’t done making moves either.