Klint Kubiak and Raiders owner’s clear stance on Maxx Crosby

Following months of trade speculation and reports of locker room friction, the Las Vegas Raiders have seemingly drawn a line in the sand regarding the future of their star pass-rusher.

New head coach Klint Kubiak and owner Mark Davis have broken their silence, sending a definitive message to the rest of the NFL: Maxx Crosby isn’t going anywhere.

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The future of the three-time Pro Bowler became the subject of intense scrutiny after reports emerged that Crosby’s relationship with the organization had reached a breaking point.

Rumors reached a fever pitch during Super Bowl week, with some reports suggesting Crosby had informed minority owner Tom Brady that he would “never play for the Raiders again” and would sooner retire than suit up in Silver and Black for another rebuilding season.

However, during his introductory press conference, Klint Kubiak, fresh off a Super Bowl victory as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator, wasted no time in dismissing the idea of a post-Crosby era in Las Vegas.

Kubiak revealed that one of his first actions upon arriving at the Raiders’ headquarters was meeting with the franchise cornerstone.

“I got a cup of coffee with Maxx this morning. Love talking with him. And look forward to continuing those conversations.”

For Kubiak, the decision to keep Crosby is central to his vision for the team’s turnaround.

“We want him to be a part of our success going forward. There’s no doubt about that. He’s one of the best players in the NFL. It’s a no-brainer to get to work with Maxx and see him continue to have success with this organization.”

Owner Mark Davis mirrored his new coach’s enthusiasm, reinforcing that the Raiders have no intention of entertaining trade offers for the 28-year-old.

“Maxx has been a great, great Raider. He is a great Raider. He’s gone through a lifetime of development here for seven or eight years, and he still is a Raider. So, it’s all good,” Davis said.

The sudden tension between Crosby and the Raiders reportedly stems from the end of the 2025 season. Despite battling a knee injury that required offseason surgery, Crosby was vocal about his desire to play in the final two games.

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The team’s decision to place him on injured reserve, a move some viewed as a tactical decision to secure the No. 1 overall pick, reportedly left the ultra-competitive defender feeling betrayed.

Rumors suggested Crosby was particularly frustrated by the prospect of another lengthy rebuild.

With the Raiders now holding the top pick in the upcoming NFL draft, which is widely expected to be used on Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the front office is betting that the addition of a franchise signal-caller and Kubiak’s championship pedigree will be enough to satisfy Crosby’s hunger for winning.

While trade links to the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots, among others, have dominated the headlines, the Raiders’ leadership is focused on reconciliation.

By publicly affirming belief in Crosby being a Raider, Kubiak is clearly attempting to bridge the gap and reintegrate the defensive leader into the new regime.

For now, the Raiders’ stance is ironclad: the rebuild in Las Vegas will be built around Maxx Crosby, not funded by his departure.

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