The struggling Las Vegas Raiders shut down their best player on Saturday. Pass rusher Maxx Crosby was already ruled out of Monday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons as he deals with an ankle injury, which has plagued him throughout the season. But it appears that the three-time Pro Bowler is going to miss each of the final four games, as he has opted for season-ending surgery.
Will Maxx Crosby Be Back In Las Vegas In 2025?
Getting a month’s head start on recovery is the goal. The severity of the injury is somewhat unknown, and there could be multiple surgeries needed depending on what results show on Monday. If that is the case, then his status for off-season workouts and perhaps even training camp could be in question. But getting the operation done in mid-December instead of mid-January would give Crosby a jump on the rehabilitation.
Maxx Crosby will be looking to ensure that he is ready for the start of the 2025 season. But will he be in a Raiders uniform when he does?
To All My Fans… I Love Yall. Back Better Than Ever. #Limitless 🦅💎 pic.twitter.com/ew1DQxbKjq
— Maxx Crosby (@CrosbyMaxx) December 15, 2024
Las Vegas is undergoing a rebuild. They’ve been one of the two worst teams of the 2024 NFL season, and are currently riding a 9-game losing streak, which has dropped their record to 2-11. The Raiders some bright spots on their roster, with Crosby being the shining star, but it is apparent that some serious personnel changes are needed before they can be competitive again. Quarterback will likely be their first order of business, and they should have one of the top picks in the upcoming draft in order to address the situation.
While the 27-year-old Crosby has said himself that Las Vegas is where he wants to be, it hasn’t stopped teams from calling and inquiring about his availability. There were multiple reports of different teams inquiring about his services during the most recent off-season, and that theme was repeated during the 2024 trade deadline. Even in something of a down year in terms of production from Crosby, there was still interest in the elite talent playing a prime position.
The $30.4 million that Maxx Crosby earned in 2024 made him the highest paid defensive player in the league. And while his salary actually decreases during the final two years of his current contract, the Raiders could explore shedding themselves of the $28.2 million that he is owed for 2025. Not only would parting ways with their star give them money to fill other areas of need, but a trade would likely bring back a trove of valuable draft picks, including one or multiple first rounders.
A Trade Would Bring Back Some Serious Draft Capital
If they were to get a deal done before draft day in late April, the Raiders would have the most assets of any team for the selection process. They are currently projected in line to secure either the first or second overall pick, and have the rights to their own selection in each round. They also own the Jets’ third rounder thanks to the Davante Adams trade, giving Las Vegas 4 picks within the top-70 as it stands today.
Whatever is in your mind for trade compensation for Maxx Crosby – it’s probably not enough.
He is a 90%+ snap count, double digit sacker, disruptive tornado, top tier premium player in the prime of his career.
Raiders will get a king’s ransom for him if they choose to move him. pic.twitter.com/vJhAQsgxfY
— Ken – Packers Cap (@KenIngalls) October 18, 2024
If they were to pick up at least a first round pick to add to their arsenal, the Raiders could bring in multiple young, elite talents on rookie contracts to help with their rebuild.
Team owner Marc Davis has been adamant about the team keeping Maxx Crosby long-term. He still has two years left on his contract, which makes him just the 9th-highest paid defender in the NFL, with teammate Christian Wilkins set to earn an even higher salary. Davis went on record in November by saying, “We’re Not Trading Maxx Crosby. Before Or After the Trade Deadline!!!”.
Crosby will finish the season with 7.5 sacks and 45 combined tackles, and is currently the league leader in tackles for loss (17).
