Crosby’s age and contract timeline have made him a focal point for trade chatter this offseason, with contending teams expected to inquire. One notable voice, Mark Willard of 95.7 The Game, suggested that the San Francisco 49ers should pursue Crosby, arguing he’s the kind of proven game-changer a contender would circle.
If the Raiders decide Crosby is too valuable a trade asset to pass up, they could maximize draft capital or younger talent to accelerate the rebuild. The logic is to stockpile assets now and build a foundation around the young core the team has assembled, including players like Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, and the anticipated No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.
Should Las Vegas choose to keep Crosby, the question becomes who supports him as a running mate on defense. In free agency, names such as Trey Hendrickson have been floated as potential additions, but former Raiders lineman Lincoln Kennedy urged prioritizing other roster needs—linebacker, offensive line, wide receiver, and secondary—before addressing the edge position.
Kennedy’s perspective underscores a broader tension: even with Crosby, the Raiders may have more immediate needs to resolve than chasing a defensive-line upgrade. The Hendrickson discussion remains viable, but it competes with a longer list of gaps that could impact the team’s ability to contend in the near term.
Meanwhile, the coaching search remains a parallel storyline. NFL insider Adam Schefter noted that the Raiders’ and Bills’ targets overlap, with potential candidates including Davis Webb, Joe Brady, Brian Daboll, and Grant Udinski. Schefter also suggested Mendoza could tip the scales for the Raiders if ownership is confident in building a decade-long plan around him.
In sum, Las Vegas must decide whether to pursue a quick Contending window around Crosby or to maximize future assets while continuing the rebuild. The decision will shape this offseason’s path, from trades and free-agent moves to coaching hires and the long-term blueprint around Maxx Crosby. This summary mirrors reporting from Heavy Sports.
