Former Raiders coach Jon Gruden—who drafted Crosby—took a strong stance on keeping the edge rusher. On The Drive w/TKras, Gruden urged that any team would pursue Crosby, calling him “the best player on the team” and “the most impactful edge rusher in football” and highlighting his fourth-quarter presence. Gruden also invoked his own experience trading Khalil Mack to caution the franchise about move implications.
If Crosby asks for a trade or Las Vegas is willing to listen, the league figure could generate significant interest. Crosby remains one of the NFL’s elite players and is still in his prime, making him an attractive target for many contenders.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine floated the Washington Commanders as a potential fit, noting Washington’s willingness to swing high-profile trades and their cap flexibility to absorb a large contract. A healthy Jayden Daniels in 2026 could put Washington back in contention, and Ballentine argues the Commanders could chase a player of Crosby’s caliber with the right financial and strategic backing.
The Raiders’ new hire, Klint Kubiak, could influence Crosby’s decision to stay. Las Vegas lured Kubiak away from Seattle’s offensive staff, and while his focus will be on offense, he is expected to be deeply involved with his defensive players as well. If Crosby develops a positive rapport with Kubiak, staying in Las Vegas could become more likely than trading him.
Ultimately, Las Vegas must balance immediate competitiveness with long-term rebuilding. Crosby’s status will be a key storyline of the offseason, as the Raiders weigh the potential value of a star edge rusher against the long-term ramifications of any trade. The market for Crosby could grow quickly if conditions align and teams perceive a real path to rapid improvement.
