In the wake of the Davante Adams trade, questions have understandably been raised about the future of Maxx Crosby. The Raiders’ best player is not on the market, but his latest remarks on the possibility of a swap are far less conclusive than those of owner Mark Davis.
“I’m not here to rebuild, I’m here to win,” the three-time Pro Bowler said when speaking about his future (via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk). “So, you know, I don’t know. Whatever that means, but yeah I’m here to win now. And wherever I’m gonna be, I’m gonna be here to win. So that’s all that matters to me.”
The decision to move on from Adams is a rather clear indication of Vegas’ intent regarding a run to the playoffs in 2024. With Gardner Minshew being replaced atop the quarterback depth chart by Aidan O’Connell, uncertainty looms over that position for the balance of the season as well as 2025. The Raiders represent a logical suitor for an aggressive quarterback pursuit this offseason, but even with an upgrade under center, the team would have other hurdles to clear to attain contender status.
Crosby and the Raiders agreed to a restructure this offseason which upped his earnings for this season and next. His contract — which ranks ninth amongst edge-rushers in terms of average annual value — runs through 2026. As a result, the matter of “wherever” he plays in the future will not be in doubt provided the Raiders turn aside the inevitable trade interest they will receive in the coming weeks. Of course, a number of teams would provide the 27-year-old with a better chance at contending than the 2-4 Raiders this season.
Crosby said in June he intends to remain in Vegas for the entirety of his career. His monster extension certainly sets up that possibility and remaining healthy should allow him to continue proving high-end production. The Eastern Michigan product is on track for a fourth double-digit sack campaign in his six-year career. That will in all likelihood make him a centerpiece of the Raiders for years to come, but his comments note the potential for a change of scenery being possible.
