Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek expressed confidence Tuesday that star pass rusher Maxx Crosby will remain with the team into the 2026 season, addressing ongoing speculation about the player’s future. Speaking at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Spytek emphasized the strong relationship he maintains with Crosby, who is currently rehabbing a minor meniscus repair after an injury ended his previous season on injured reserve.
Spytek Emphasizes Strong Bond With Crosby and Value of Retaining Elite Talent
“Maxx and I have a great relationship,” Spytek said. “He’s in the building every day getting healthy right now. We talk on the phone, we text. So I have a great relationship with Maxx.” He highlighted Crosby’s importance to the team, describing him as one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the NFL.
Although trading Crosby could provide valuable draft assets and help address roster needs, Spytek stressed that keeping a cornerstone talent like Crosby outweighs short-term gain. “Maxx is an elite player, and I’ve been very upfront from the start when 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,” he said. “It’s hard to build a great team without elite players.”
Raiders Reaffirm Commitment to Maxx Crosby While Preparing for Competitive 2026 Season
Crosby has appeared in just one playoff game over seven seasons and has expressed a desire to compete for a contender. When asked about Las Vegas’ chances in 2026, Spytek cited examples of teams quickly rising from top draft picks to championship contention, emphasizing that the Raiders are committed to building a competitive roster the right way.
Spytek’s remarks provide reassurance to Raiders fans that the franchise plans to retain one of its defensive cornerstones under new head coach Klint Kubiak. While trade speculation may continue, his comments suggest that any potential decisions regarding Crosby would be addressed later, not during the Combine.
For now, Raiders supporters can expect Crosby to remain central to the team’s plans, with his recovery and preparation for the upcoming season closely monitored. Spytek’s confidence signals the team’s commitment to holding onto key talent while strengthening its roster for 2026.
