The Las Vegas Raiders’ dismal season may have a light at the end of the tunnel, with the team in position to secure the No. 1 overall pick.
However, the Raiders’ efforts to ensure they land that pick could be impacting their best player. Las Vegas is sitting star pass rusher Maxx Crosby for the final two games, a move that does not align with the pass rusher’s interests.
If this is a sign that Crosby and the Raiders do not see eye to eye, Las Vegas could decide to move on from the defensive end. Here is a breakdown of the situation.
MORE: How Broncos control path to No. 1 seed
Will the Raiders trade Maxx Crosby?
Maxx Crosby has been with the Raiders for his entire career, but his future with the team may be in flux. Crosby and the Raiders reportedly disagree on how to handle the pass rusher’s knee injury as the season winds down.
Las Vegas is 2-13 and far from contention, so the team could decide to trade Crosby for future picks in the offseason. That will largely depend on how sour the relationship between the two parties becomes, however. There is still plenty of time for the Raiders and their star defensive end to patch things up before push comes to shove, but the situation is worth monitoring given recent events.
MORE: Will the Ravens trade Lamar Jackson?
Why is Maxx Crosby upset with the Raiders?
Ahead of the Raiders Week 17 game against the New York Giants, in which the loser will earn full control of the No. 1 pick, Las Vegas told Crosby they are sitting him out. Crosby had been playing through a knee injury and was willing to gut it out for the rest of the season.
Earlier this week, Crosby told the media he didn't care where the Raiders' pick landed.
"Yeah, I don’t give a sh-- about the pick, to be honest," Crosby said. "I don't play for that. That's not my job. My job is to be the best defensive end in the world. Being a great leader, being an influence."
According to Fox's Jay Glazer, Crosby disagreed with the Raiders' decision and left the facility upon learning that he wouldn't play. As a result, Crosby's relationship with the Raiders could be permanently stained.
Scoopage: Raiders told Maxx Crosby they want to shut him down last two games. Crosby, who has played with injuries for much of the year, vehemently disagreed and has left the building @nflonfox has learned. This could lead to questions on his future in Vegas
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) December 26, 2025
Besides Crosby's pride, the pass rusher also may miss out on specific contract incentives if he misses the final two games of the season.
MORE: Updated look at which teams clinched a playoff spot
How old is Maxx Crosby
Maxx Crosby is 28 years-old and won't turn 29 until August, as he is still in the prime of his career. Crosby's contract with the Raiders, though, keeps him tied with the team until he is 32.
MORE: NFL Power Rankings for Week 17
Maxx Crosby contract details
During the 2025 offseason, Crosby and the Raiders agreed to a three-year, $106.5 million extension on top of his previous four-year, $94 million deal. The extension doesn't kick in until the 2027 season, so Crosby is locked into Las Vegas until 2029.
Crosby's due to cost the Raiders a $35.9 million cap hit in 2026, but the contract is still very trade-able. If the Raiders decide to trade Crosby, he would cost Las Vegas just $5 million in dead money next year, while the entire extension is easily escapable.
Maxx Crosby contract is extremely tradable. Only $5M dead on the Raiders side. Inheriting team has $30M guaranteed in 2026, which is no problem. The rest of the contract is just $28M team options.
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) December 26, 2025
Both teams incentivized to move on. Gone. Pic.twitter.com/Cd6oOTk586
In Crosby's case, interested teams wouldn't be soured by his contract status.