The Las Vegas Raiders appear to be stuck in a murky situation. They’ve got some pieces on the roster, like Maxx Crosby, who are ready to win now, but the rest of the team leaves much to be desired in a stacked AFC West.
The Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos will all be in the playoff mix during the 2025 season, putting Las Vegas in a tough spot as it tries to navigate another busy offseason. The Raiders installed a new general manager and head coach in John Spytek and Pete Carroll, respectively, but the new regime has its work cut out trying to get the Raiders to a place where they can hang with the rest of the division and the league.
Crosby will need some convincing that Las Vegas is trying to compete, as he’s hinted that leaving isn’t out of the question. Trading Crosby would signal a shift toward a rebuild, but there have been indications that the team is considering that.
In the meantime, players will undoubtedly try to recruit Crosby away from Las Vegas. For example, Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon took a shot at the Raiders while making his pitch to Crosby via his personal X account:
@CrosbyMaxx Come Be Great Wit A Real Team My Boi…
— K9 (@keiseannixon) February 11, 2025
Unlike Las Vegas, Green Bay has been a perennial playoff team and has high hopes for next season with Jordan Love and head coach Matt LaFleur. The Packers also play in a tough division but are much closer to competing for an NFC North title than the Raiders are competing for the AFC West crown.
Crosby would flourish in Green Bay, as they’ve got a solid defense that lacks a true star pass rusher off the edge. However, Crosby would likely need to request a trade, as the team has been adamant they’re not going to part ways with him.
By all accounts, Crosby should remain in the silver and black for the 2025 season, but anything can happen come free agency and the rest of the offseason.
Maxx Crosby most optimistic about Raiders he’s been since joining franchise
Maxx Crosby has been a good solider over the years as the Raiders have failed to surround him with winning pieces. However, despite the drama and turmoil, Crosby said this is the most optimistic he’s felt about the team since joining the franchise.
