The Las Vegas Raiders are stuck in another rebuild cycle, and that means even their five-time Pro Bowler, Maxx Crosby, is suddenly on the clock. With Crosby set to turn 29 before the season even kicks off, the organization is grappling with his age and an expensive contract as they try to map out a path to contention around potential new starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Rebuild Mode: Is Crosby Part of the Future?
It is undeniable: the Raiders are rebuilding yet again. That’s why the team’s brass felt during the offseason they should explore trading Crosby for good young players or draft picks, aiming to build for the future. Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report is pushing teams to make their best offer *now*, believing it’s the smart play to jump-start the rebuild around Mendoza. Knox says it plainly: “While Las Vegas is unquestionably a better team with Crosby on the roster, gauging his trade value would be logical.” The guy is right. Crosby could easily be past his prime by the time Las Vegas is actually ready to compete for anything meaningful. Can the Raiders even get a package as big as the Browns landed for Myles Garrett? That is the big question.
Health Scares, Value Swings, and a Giant Contract Hit
Let’s talk brass tacks: ESPN expert Bill Barnwell suggests that if the new NFL season starts off well, Crosby’s trade value could absolutely soar. We are talking potentially back to the price of two first-round picks, something he might have commanded before. Barnwell wrote that the fact “Vegas didn’t quickly find a new home for Crosby suggests that it wasn’t able to land another deal with two first-round picks from another team.” He figures Crosby could still net a first-rounder, but a strong start to the season would push that value back up. However, there’s a huge asterisk here: a March 10 medical check-up revealed some health concerns that ultimately canceled a previously agreed-upon trade to the Ravens. That’s a massive red flag. Plus, Crosby’s contract is no joke, hitting the Raiders’ budget for about $35.8 million in 2026. This new five-year, fully guaranteed deal for $64.064 million replaced his prior $42.84 million non-guaranteed agreement, adding serious pressure on the team’s finances, especially after they signed a bunch of new players this offseason.
Knox isn’t backing down either, explaining back in June that the medical issues don’t mean Crosby is locked in Vegas through his 2029 contract, or even through the current 2026 season. As the new NFL season is on the horizon, every single snap Crosby takes will either validate his hefty price tag or further solidify the Raiders’ decision to explore a trade. The clock is ticking on this situation, and his performance early on could determine everything.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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