The Las Vegas Raiders have made it clear that defensive end Maxx Crosby will not be traded, despite interest from teams across the NFL. Owner Mark Davis was unequivocal in an email to ESPN, stating that Crosby is off the table “Before Or After The Trade Deadline!!!” Crosby, known as one of the league’s top defenders and a fan favorite, has been the subject of trade inquiries from several teams who hoped he might be available. However, Davis’s firm response appears to have ended speculation on Crosby’s potential departure from the Raiders.
Teams continue to explore possibilities for acquiring top defensive talent as the trade deadline approaches, and while they may have reached out to the Raiders about Crosby, Las Vegas has effectively shut down these discussions. League sources told ESPN that it would be “beyond shocking” if the Raiders were to trade Crosby before the November 5 deadline.
Crosby is seen as a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense, and as such, he is regarded as untouchable. Raiders minority stakeholder Richard Seymour, speaking on “The Adam Schefter Podcast,” described Crosby as the “heartbeat” of the team, affirming that Davis would be unlikely to part with him.
Crosby himself has responded to the trade rumors, expressing his commitment to staying with the Raiders. On his podcast, “The Rush With Maxx Crosby,” he addressed the speculation, especially rumors linking him to the Detroit Lions, who are in need of a pass rusher. Crosby emphasized his loyalty to the Raiders, stating he wants to remain “silver and black” and reaffirming his dedication to his teammates and fans. While Crosby acknowledged he doesn’t have complete control over his future, his strong desire to stay in Las Vegas aligns with the organization’s intent to keep him long-term.
In contrast, the Raiders have already made one high-profile trade by sending wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets for a conditional third-round pick, suggesting they are open to deals under specific circumstances.
With Crosby firmly off the table, teams will likely shift their focus to other potential defensive targets. The Detroit Lions, for instance, still hope to bolster their pass rush and might consider Cleveland Browns’ Za’Darius Smith, who has reportedly drawn interest and offers a solid alternative for teams seeking an experienced, productive defensive end.
Crosby, a three-time Pro Bowler with 6.5 sacks so far this season, has been with the Raiders for his entire career, accumulating 58.5 sacks in 89 games. At 27, he remains one of the NFL’s top pass rushers, making him a highly valuable asset not only for the Raiders but also as a theoretical trade target for other teams. With the Raiders committed to keeping Crosby as a central figure in their defense, teams will have to look elsewhere to find the pass-rushing talent they need before the trade deadline.
