Vic Tafur of The Athletic suggested Crosby could be headed elsewhere, saying it would be surprising if he’s a Raider next year. In a Feb. 12 Scoop City video, Tafur argued the Raiders could benefit from trading Crosby for draft capital to jump-start a rebuild under a new staff.
Tafur framed the decision in terms of timing and contending plans: if Las Vegas believes it’s two to three years from competitive contention in the AFC, dealing Crosby for young talent and draft picks could make strategic sense, especially with the team’s evolving leadership and roster.
Sports Illustrated insider Albert Breer offered a more measured update, indicating the door is not closed on Crosby staying in Las Vegas. Breer noted Crosby’s loyalty to Mark Davis and the Raiders brand and said the end-of-year fallout—tied to relationships with Tom Brady and Alex Guerrero—has opened the possibility of a trade without guaranteeing a departure.
Breer added that the Raiders’ stance could shift after Crosby speaks with the new coaching staff, with a clearer picture emerging in the lead-up to the NFL Scouting Combine. He suggested the situation could come into sharper focus within about two weeks at that event.
The evolving dynamic centers on how the Raiders assess their timeline, define organizational priorities, and balance Crosby’s value with the franchise’s long-term plan under Klint Kubiak’s potential staff and the new regime. With mixed signals from notable insiders, updates are expected as discussions with the coaching staff progress and the combine approaches.
This overview reflects reporting from Heavy Sports, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Crosby’s status and the Raiders’ strategy for 2026 and beyond.
