In a stunning move, Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis has unequivocally shot down the relentless trade rumors surrounding star defensive end Maxx Crosby. As the NFL trade deadline looms, speculation has run rampant about potential landing spots for the Pro Bowler, but Davis is having none of it.
Davis Sets the Record Straight
In an email to ESPN, Davis made his stance crystal clear: “We’re Not Trading Maxx Crosby. Before Or After The Trade Deadline!!!” The emphatic statement leaves no room for interpretation – the Raiders’ best player is staying put.
The trade chatter has reached a fever pitch in recent weeks, with multiple teams reportedly exploring ways to pry Crosby away from Las Vegas. League sources indicated that inquiries were still being made as recently as this week, despite the Raiders’ consistent messaging that Crosby is untouchable.
Seymour: Crosby is “Heartbeat of the Team”
Richard Seymour, a new minority stakeholder in the Raiders, echoed Davis’ sentiments on a recent podcast appearance. “If I’m the Lions, I want to come get Maxx Crosby, too,” Seymour acknowledged. “Why wouldn’t they? He’s the heartbeat of our team. But that would be Mark Davis’ decision, and I don’t see him making that decision to trade away Maxx Crosby.”
I’m sitting here innocently and just doing what I do and I feel like I got to like address it with my teammates. I’m like, ‘I’m not trying to leave.’ … I don’t have 100% control and all that, but I want to be here, I want to be Silver and Black. I’ll say it loud and f—ing clear, I want to be a Raider.
– Maxx Crosby on his podcast, “The Rush with Maxx Crosby”
Crosby’s Dominance and Importance to Raiders
Crosby, 27, has been a force for the Raiders since being drafted in the fourth round in 2019. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound edge rusher has racked up an impressive stat line over his career:
- 58.5 sacks in 89 games
- 3-time Pro Bowler
- 6.5 sacks so far in 2024 season (tied for 6th in NFL)
Beyond his on-field production, Crosby is widely regarded as a locker room leader and the embodiment of the Raiders’ culture. Trading him would undoubtedly deal a significant blow to team morale and chemistry.
Attention Turns to Browns’ Za’Darius Smith
With Crosby officially off the market, teams in need of pass-rushing help will have to look elsewhere. Cleveland Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith has emerged as a potential target, according to league sources.
Smith, a former Pro Bowler himself, could be an attractive option for teams given his proven track record and reasonable salary. The Browns may be more inclined to part with the veteran as they look to retool their defense.
Davis, Raiders Stand United
As for the Raiders, Davis’ resolute stance sends a clear message: this team is not in rebuild mode, and they view Crosby as an essential piece of their present and future success. By publicly backing his star player, Davis has reaffirmed his commitment to building a competitive roster in Las Vegas.
The NFL trade deadline may bring a flurry of activity, but one thing is certain: Maxx Crosby will be suiting up in silver and black for the foreseeable future. Raiders fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their defensive cornerstone isn’t going anywhere.
