The Las Vegas Raiders are entering what feels like yet another pivotal offseason. They are without a franchise quarterback and did not lose enough to land a top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Although new minority owner Tom Brady brings some hope and excitement, many decisions need to be made, including one regarding star edge rusher Maxx Crosby.
Crosby has been the Raiders’ best player for nearly all six of his seasons with the team. In 2019, he finished second in the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Since then, he has made four Pro Bowls and two All-Pro Second Teams. He’s led the NFL in tackles for loss twice, has seven or more sacks in all six of his seasons, and has had 10 or more sacks three times.
But now comes a moment where he and the Raiders have to do some evaluation. There is no more guaranteed money in Crosby’s contract, and the Raiders have an out with only a $10.2 million dead cap hit this offseason. He has two more non-guaranteed years under contract but will need some kind of extension or restructuring.
Luckily, Brady is on the case. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Brady has no plans to let Crosby leave.
“With Tom Brady running the show in Las Vegas… he has his hands all over everything. He’s going to make sure that Maxx Crosby is a pillar of the Las Vegas Raiders. You can’t move on from a guy like Maxx Crosby”
Russini goes on to say that teams would undoubtedly be swirling around the Raiders if they decide to move on from him, but he reiterates that Brady is not going to allow that to happen. And rightfully so, as Crosby has already been a pillar of the franchise for the last six years.
The Raiders must now put a team around Crosby that maximizes his prime and allows him to receive the national recognition he deserves. Brady also seems committed to that, especially considering Russini’s claim that he has his hands on everything.
Russell Wilson tied to Raiders
With the head coach and general manager officially in the house, all the focus of the Las Vegas Raiders turns towards the roster and, particularly, the quarterback position. Rumors have already begun circulating about a potential reunion between new coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Russell Wilson.
Wilson spent last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but of course, he experienced his best success with the Seattle Seahawks under Carroll. The two won a Super Bowl together in 2014. With Wilson a free agent this offseason and the Raiders in need of a quarterback, it makes sense that there could be some interest from both sides.
Carroll was asked about the possibility of the Raiders signing Wilson.
