Maxx Crosby, the Las Vegas Raiders‘ star pass rusher, recently addressed certain rumors, and Jakobi Meyers made his return this week, among other news that we’ll catch you up on.
You wouldn’t think that a team sitting at 2-5 would be generating so much buzz, but here we are. It’s been a tough stretch this season for Antonio Pierce and the Raiders; however, football doesn’t stop. Whether the Silver and Black are a “good team” or not, the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs are heading to Allegiant Stadium.
The most frustrating aspect is that rumors about this team continue to persist even after Davante Adams’ departure.
The most recent conjecture involving Crosby went viral thanks in part to Pro Football Focus. That’s right, PFF, Raider Nation’s favorite publication. Essentially, they’ve “mocked” Crosby going to the Detroit Lions. Practically speaking, it makes sense given Detroit’s need for a pass rusher following Aidan Hutchinson’s heartbreaking injury.
For the Raiders, trading away their cornerstone player would signal a complete revamp. This is not to suggest that the Raiders are not in the process of rebuilding; rather, what does it say about them if they trade away a player of Crosby’s caliber?
Maxx Crosby shuts down unwelcomed Raiders rumor…
Crosby, known for his platform, has never been shy about making his feelings known. Well, Crosby couldn’t just ignore this recent rumor—in fact, he shut it down as plainly as you can imagine.
“I’m like, I’m not trying to leave. I know it’s a f—ing business, I don’t have 100% control and all that, but I want to be here, I want to be Silver and Black. I’ll say it loud and f—ing clear, I want to be a Raider. I’ve said that over and over and over again.”
No. 98 did mention that this rumor got so big he even had to address it with his Raiders teammates. Crosby embodies the Silver and Black more than any other current player, making a trade involving him potentially unforgiveable.
Speaking of forgiveness, are Raiders fans ready to let go of the past with a certain former quarterback coming in?
Tom Brady “happy to be involved” with the Silver and Black…
Raider Nation will likely never truly forgive Brady for the “Tuck Rule Game.” Then again, that’s not to say they can’t embrace him. That’s especially true if some of the winning charm rubs off on the Raiders. Despite being a minority owner, it’s evident that he will have Mark Davis’s attention when it comes to football matters. Davis himself has said he’s counting on Brady to help him find the organization’s quarterback of the future.
While speaking with his former coach, Bill Belichick, on the “Let’s Go!” podcast, Brady weighed in on the recent development regarding the Raiders.
“I’m really happy to be involved with Mark and that club and that organization, and I know Coach has great respect for Al Davis and what he’s meant to the NFL. We’ve heard so many great stories and his contributions. As Mark took over, he’s done amazing things, moving it to Las Vegas, and I know Vegas has a bright future.”
Speaking of the future, what if the Raiders went in on a particular (and legendary) name for their quarterback dilemma?
Can you imagine the last name Manning on a Raiders jersey?
While it may seem unrealistic given that Arch Manning won’t be draft eligible until 2026, what if Las Vegas managed to secure his services? Well, if you ask Raiders media figure, J.T. The Brick, he’s the only prospect that you go all in on.
“The little Archie Manning kid, the Manning guy with his DNA, that’s the only guy I’d give up three first round picks for. Cam Ward and the other guys I like, they’re going to be good. You don’t know who they’re going to be, you don’t know if one’s going to be Jamarcus Russell. You don’t know if the next guy is going to be Deshaun Watson.”
Manning’s storied family (and genes) should have Raider Nation salivating despite his small sample size thus far in his collegiate career. Regardless, the Raiders will undoubtedly need to select a signal-caller in the draft next year. Simply put, the Raiders lack a long-term quarterback on their roster. At the same time, giving up three first-round picks doesn’t seem like a move that general manager Tom Telesco would approve of.
Then again, the pressure from Davis, Brady, and the rest of the Raiders’ top brass might say otherwise come draft day.
However, Las Vegas still has football to play before we worry about the draft. With that being said, the Raiders did get some positive news this week.
Is Jakobi Meyers on his way to help this Sunday against the Chiefs?
One glaring deficiency that the Raiders have had to contend with is their thin wide receiver group. Following Adams’ trade and an injury to Meyers, the Silver and Black have had to rely on players that otherwise wouldn’t be seeing so much playing time. Nonetheless, Meyers is the de facto number one wideout, not named Brock Bowers, and his return could certainly boost an otherwise anemic offense.
With the Chiefs coming to town, it couldn’t be a timelier development with No. 16 practicing on Wednesday (h/t Vegas Sports Today). You plug in Meyers, and things open up once again. Namely for Tre Tucker and DJ Turner, though the question remains who will be getting them the ball given the recent quarterback news. For now, Raider Nation should rejoice in Meyers’ return.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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