Maxx Crosby
Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 17: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium on November 17, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders, attempting to trade star pass rusher Maxx Crosby, will get a lot of different opinions from a lot of different people. That’s just the reality when a team presumably trades a fan-favorite superstar and was about to receive two first-round picks in return.
ESPN commented on the situation, saying, “The bar is set internally by the organization, as every deal is a value proposition of risk versus reward.
When a unique, high-value talent is the potential acquisition, risk tolerance becomes a factor. Crosby’s hefty contract and two first-round picks make for a high price and the Ravens would merely be doing their due diligence in leaving no stone unturned during the screening process. Trade physicals are akin to NFL combine screenings, where any previous injuries — even if the player recovered to return to his previous level of play — might warrant further evaluation, including imaging.”
Regardless, it’s done. Crosby is back with the Raiders, and the Baltimore Ravens keep their two first-round picks.
Now that it’s time to look forward to the 2026 NFL Draft, Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman of The Athletic gave their thoughts on whether the Crosby situation will help or hurt the Raiders in terms of draft options.
Maxx Crosby
Everything Happens For A Reason. Believe Nothing You Hear & Half Of What You See. Im A Raider. I’m Back. Run That Sh*t. 🦅🏴☠️
The Good Side for the Raiders Keeping Maxx Crosby
Dochterman sees a silver lining in the Raiders keeping Crosby on the roster.
“Perhaps this could work in the Raiders’ favor, though. The franchise tried to do right by its best player — it wasn’t Las Vegas that failed Crosby. The two sides seem to have reconciled without hard feelings, and the Raiders have fortified an average defense this week and appear to have a solid plan on offense. A new scheme with an incoming franchise quarterback, Pro Bowlers at center and tight end, an uber-talented running back — the Raiders could vault into the worst-to-playoff discussion with a good draft. If Crosby stays, it’s not that farfetched.”
Even without the two first-round picks, think about it like this: The Raiders now have one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL with 69.5 career sacks. Even with Crosby on the roster, Las Vegas was still able to sign all its major free-agent agreements that were verbally made before the whole failed trade saga.
The Potential Downside of Keeping Crosby
Baumgardner, however, doesn’t believe the outcome of the Crosby situation is good for Las Vegas when it comes to the draft.
“This isn’t good for the Raiders. Crosby reaffirming his commitment to the franchise is fine (although, who knows if that’ll stick), but two first-round picks would’ve been so much better. Las Vegas still needs so much, and Crosby isn’t going to help make Mendoza’s rookie year any easier as he doesn’t play offense. Another first-rounder would’ve given the Raiders a chance to land a premium piece to grow alongside Mendoza.”
Yeah, not having an extra first-round pick this year will hurt the Raiders’ chances of adding another piece on offense for Mendoza, but Crosby being on the team will still help with the following:
Giving Mendoza a favorable starting position on offense
Helping Mendoza win close-fought games
Being a leader not just for Mendoza, but for the entire team
There’s more than just the fact that Maxx Crosby doesn’t play on offense. Plus, Las Vegas can find that “premium piece” to grow alongside Mendoza in the later rounds; It doesn’t necessarily have to be in the first round.
Not having two first-round picks hurts, but keeping one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL isn’t so bad either.