2025 is going to be an eventful offseason for the Las Vegas Raiders and that’s putting it mildly. Will Pro Bowl pass rusher Maxx Crosby get traded? Does Raider Nation want Mike Vrabel as the next coach in Sin City?
The notion of trading away another elite defensive player in his physical prime would give any Raiders fan a case of nausea. Remember, this is the same organization that once shipped off Khalil Mack as we recently pointed out. This same team (now residing in Nevada) could do it again if a few factors fall into place.
First off, Crosby himself would have to publicly (or privately) state that he wants out. His recent comments have drawn the ire of many within Raider Nation. He was after all, Antonio Pierce’s biggest backer, going as far as mentioning that he’d request a trade if “AP” wasn’t hired on full time. Fast forward to late December and it seems Crosby is sick of the endless toxic cycle within the Raiders. Can you really blame him though?
Another factor is the long-term vision of the organization. Is Raiders brass willing to commit to No. 98 for a few years more? Do they feel he’s worth a new cornerstone contract that would likely eat up a lot of cap space? No one’s denying Crosby’s ability to impact a game but will he still be doing that, say three or four years from now, that’s something to consider. These are legitimate questions for whoever will be calling the shots, i.e. Tom Telesco, Tom Brady, whatever.
Should the Buffalo Bills trade for Maxx Crosby?
A final factor that could come into play this offseason is whether a “contender” would be willing to give up prime draft capital for a pass rusher that in theory could get them over the top. For example, you have the Buffalo Bills. A perennial playoff squad, the Bills have yet to go all the way but if you plug in Crosby, the sky’s the limit.
Let’s be honest, the Super Bowl window for the Bills is starting to dwindle. Yes, Josh Allen is very much in his prime but the defense is aging. Theoretically, the Bills would sport a pass rushing duo of Crosby and Greg Rousseau–that would be highly formidable in the AFC East for at least a few years.
But would Bills general manager Brandon Beane give up the assets necessary in such a blockbuster trade?
Is Mike Vrabel your next Raiders head coach?
For all intents and purposes, things aren’t looking good for Antonio Pierce. The question on everyone’s mind is whether Tom Brady and Mark Davis have seen enough to make a change. According to New York Post Sports, the connection between Mike Vrabel and the Raiders is “strong.”
As most are aware, there’s an obvious Patriot connection between Vrabel and the new Raiders minority owner.
If Brady believes that the Silver and Black are in need of another culture change, Vrabel makes sense. He’s compiled a 54-45 record in his coaching career and even up until his final season with the Tennessee Titans, was seen as someone who brought stability, discipline, and consistency.
Say what you will about Vrabel, but he had the Titans in playoff contention almost every year he was the boss. The Raiders could sure use some of that considering that the Raiders haven’t won a playoff game since many within the fanbase were even born.
