According to veteran NFL reporter Albert Breer, Crosby is expected to begin the season with the Raiders and remains “fiercely protective of his Raider legacy,” even after the team chose to shut him down with a knee injury late last season. The decision has temporarily cooled trade ambitions, though Crosby’s trust in the organization has been gradually repaired by the current front office, particularly GM John Spytek and Kubiak.
The evolving dynamic gives the Raiders a clear path: build around Crosby as the focal point of a defense under the new coaching regime while pursuing a high-potential finish in 2026. Breer notes Crosby’s leadership could serve as a catalyst for setting a high standard as Vegas targets a strong start to the Kubiak era.
Baltimore’s failed trade, prompted by a concerning knee-physical, has complicated Crosby’s market value and raised questions about potential risk for any future trade. With the current plan to keep Crosby, the Raiders could still entertain a trade opportunity at the season’s trade deadline, though likely at a reduced return.
Breer also mentions a potential pivot for the franchise through the 2026 NFL draft, where the Raiders are positioned to add impact talent with the No. 1 overall pick, potentially aligning around Crosby as a central defensive figure while the team evaluates other pieces for long-term contention.
Overall, the prevailing outlook is that Crosby will anchor Vegas’s defense as the franchise prioritizes stability and development under the new leadership, rather than pursuing immediate blockbuster trades in the offseason. The situation could still evolve, but the current emphasis appears to be on maximizing Crosby’s impact and building a cohesive unit around him.
