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Maxx Crosby Sends Message to Raiders Teammate Ahead of NFL Roster Cut Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 3:25 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders are set to open up the 2025 season on Sept. 7 with a road matchup against the New England Patriots.

However, first, general manager John Spytek must cut the roster down to just 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. It's a dramatic shift from the 90 they were allowed to hold during training camp and the preseason.

One player who was considered a potential casualty was linebacker Amari Gainer, who originally signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2024.

No official decision has been announced, but his time in Las Vegas seems to be coming to an end. On Monday, Gainer said, "Thank you for everything Raider Nation, excited for the next step in this journey," via an X post.

Maxx Crosby Responds to Gainer's Post

During Gainer's two years with the Raiders, it's clear he developed a strong bond with defensive end Maxx Crosby, who responded to the linebacker's post, saying, "Love You Like A Brother."

Love You Like A Brother. https://t.co/MXUlGYbfL7
— Maxx Crosby (@CrosbyMaxx) August 25, 2025

Gainer being let go wouldn't come as a huge surprise, though, with The Athletic's Tashan Reed predicting the 25-year-old would be one of five linebackers the Raiders would end up letting go of.

In 2024, he really only saw time on the field during special teams, recording 380 snaps, while only having 12 defensive snaps. The only statistics he recorded were five combined tackles.

Maxx Crosby's Opinion of Pete Carroll

Crosby may be sad to see his teammate potentially on his way out, but he still has high hopes for the 2025 season with new head coach Pete Carroll.

"I think Pete does a good job, and the reason why he has had so much success over his career is because he is a true football coach and he loves being there and he loves every part of the game," Crosby said during a postgame interview on Saturday.

Last year, the pass rusher was limited to just 12 games after suffering a season-ending ankle injury, which was reaggravated during the Raiders' Week 14 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Crosby is good to go heading into 2025, and with Carroll and other additions such as quarterback Geno Smith and Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders are presented an opportunity to improve from their 4-13 record last season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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