As new head coach Klint Kubiak leads the Las Vegas Raiders in an honest effort to rebuild the culture, Maxx Crosby will play a massive role. But will he be healthy enough to do so?
To say it’s been an eventful offseason for Crosby would be the definition of an understatement. In fact, by all accounts, No. 98 shouldn’t even be on the Raiders right about now.
Following what would’ve been the biggest blockbuster trade of 2026, the Baltimore Ravens welched. By doing so, it left Crosby in the awkward position of returning to the team that had made the difficult decision to ship him off for a pair of first round picks.
However, everything in life happens for a reason and the Crosby trade is no exception. Perhaps, Crosby was simply destined to play his entire career for the Silver and Black. Either that, or the Ravens simply got cold feet once. More so when they realized Crosby’s injury history was too much of a red flag. Or, they really did just use the whole thing as part of an elaborate scheme to land Trey Hendrickson, which, they did.
The Raiders can still count on Maxx Crosby…
Regardless of how you feel as a Raiders fan, having Crosby around will be beneficial for Kubiak. Crosby is still the face of the franchise, an honor he’s never taken lightly. As he mends from knee surgery, there’s no rush to bring him back at this time. Kubiak and the Raiders would likely prefer to have him 100 percent for training camp.
In fact, Kubiak himself recently both praised Crosby and predicted as much regarding said camp.
“He’s still the first one in this building every day, working. He’s a leader on our team, and when he’s out there, you feel his presence. And yes, we’re counting on him being there for training camp, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Maxx was ahead of schedule.”
While many feared there had been issues that might’ve broken the relationship between Crosby and the Raiders, it’s become clear that’s in the past. With this regime spearheaded by Kubiak (with general manager John Spytek still leading the front office), Crosby is still being looked to as a consummate leader.
*Top Photo: Getty Images