Ian Rapoport provided the latest update, noting Crosby recently underwent a meniscus repair that, while relatively minor, is measured in months rather than weeks. That healing timeline makes it unlikely a team could trade for Crosby and have him fully healthy to pass a physical, pushing any potential move closer to the draft or even before the season. He stressed the Raiders have time to decide how to handle Crosby, with a goal of obtaining draft capital.
Rapoport underscored that if the Raiders want to trade Crosby, they might need to persuade him to accept a return or simply do right by one of their most loyal players—while also maximizing value. He highlighted that the rebuilding roster could benefit from as much draft capital as possible, even if that means waiting to execute a deal until the right two-way path is available. Still, he cautioned that a trade isn’t guaranteed or imminent.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network indicated the saga could drag on for some time, suggesting the Raiders will first decide their preferred course and then initiate conversations with Crosby to facilitate a trade, in a manner comparable to recent high-profile situations like Micah Parsons. He expected discussions to unfold around the scouting combine and the lead-up to the league year, potentially keeping the topic in the spotlight for weeks or months.
Vic Tafur of The Athletic added a blunt assessment, arguing that Crosby’s presence next season isn’t a given. He suggested a fresh start with multiple draft picks would suit the rebuild under new staff and personnel, and said he would be very surprised if Crosby remained a Raider next year. Given Crosby’s age, turning 29 before 2026, and the current cap-and-rebuild dynamics, the league-wide chatter points toward a potential departure to maximize long-term flexibility.
As Crosby recovers from the injury and approaches his late-20s, the Raiders’ decision-making will likely hinge on what draft capital they can secure and how they balance short-term health with long-term rebuild objectives. All eyes will be on the combine, league year discussions, and the draft as the timeline for any Crosby move begins to take shape.
