Sports Illustrated insider Albert Breer highlighted Kubiak’s early initiatives, noting a productive breakfast between Kubiak and Crosby that established good rapport but did not immediately alter the dynamic. Breer added that Kubiak has since elevated Rob Leonard—formerly defensive line coach and run-game coordinator—to the role of defensive coordinator, with Crosby’s position coach now overseeing the defense.
Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension in March, cementing his status as the Raiders’ cornerstone defender and the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history at the time. Yet a season later, the sustaining relationship between Crosby and the franchise appears strained as the organization battles its fourth straight losing season and missed playoffs.
Despite ongoing trade speculation, Crosby has emphasized loyalty and the desire to build something durable with Las Vegas. Kubiak’s challenge is to translate those statements into concrete assurances that Crosby remains in the fold as the Raiders attempt to rebound.
As the team restructures and refines its leadership, all eyes will be on Crosby’s reaction to the new defensiveSetup and whether Kubiak’s moves prove sufficient to keep the star edge rusher in Silver and Black. The Raiders’ offseason roadmap now hinges on convincing Crosby that a successful rebuild is within reach.
