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John Spytek expects Maxx Crosby to stay with Raiders

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 3:50 PM ET

Raiders general manager John Spytek spoke publicly Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine and delivered his clearest statement yet on Maxx Crosby amid weeks of trade speculation. Asked if he anticipates Crosby being in a Raiders uniform when the season starts, Spytek said, “I do. Yes.”

Raiders GM calls Crosby elite, stays confident he is staying

Spytek reinforced that stance later, calling Crosby a core piece as the Raiders build off a three-win season.

“I am. Max is an elite player and I’ve been very upfront from the start when I got here that, you know, we’re in the business of having really good players on the team and we need a lot more of them,” Spytek said. “And, you know, it’s hard to build a great team without elite players.”

Spytek also described steady communication with Crosby and pointed to Crosby’s presence around the team while rehabbing.

“Max and I have a great relationship. He’s in the building every day getting healthy right now. We talk on the phone. We text. So, I have a great relationship with Max,” Spytek said.

He was also asked about Super Bowl week reports and whether he is comfortable with where Crosby’s head is on staying in Las Vegas.

“Max and I have had great conversations. I’m comfortable there. Yeah,” Spytek said.

Still, Spytek did not label Crosby untradeable when the topic turned directly to whether the Raiders would entertain calls.

“Right. I’m just, well, we’re always listening, man. So…” Spytek said.

Building what’s next

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Offensive line questions include Jackson Powers-Johnson

Spytek also addressed where Jackson Powers-Johnson could line up as the Raiders look for a better front.

Asked whether Powers-Johnson will play center or remain at guard, Spytek said, “Whoever the best five are, they’ll be out there.” He added, “I love Jackson,” said he “had a hard season” for “a lot of different reasons” and noted, “He’s healthy now.”

Spytek said the staff will sort out the best alignment with head coach Klint Kubiak, Rick Dennison and the offensive line group.

Quarterback vision starts with leadership and toughness

With the Raiders holding the No. 1 overall pick, Spytek spent time outlining what he values at quarterback and how the position should be supported.

“Well, um… a leader, tough as hell,” Spytek said, later adding he wants a player who loves the game, prepares relentlessly and plays with humility and selflessness. He also stressed building a structure that protects a young quarterback, including a strong line, run game and defense.

“And a great defense too, because if he doesn’t feel like he’s got to go out there and score 35 points every week, I think that’s helpful,” Spytek said.

Brady as an in-house resource

Spytek also discussed his working relationship with Tom Brady, saying their conversations now lean more toward roster building and football strategy.

“I mean, he’s the best ever to do it,” Spytek said of Brady. Spytek added that any Raiders quarterback will have an opportunity to learn from Brady, who he described as humble while still firm on certain standards.

Geno Smith timeline tied to contract, needs everywhere

On Geno Smith, Spytek said the timeline is tied to contract structure and the staff’s planning once they return to Las Vegas.

“Um, obviously the contract predicates that a little bit,” Spytek said.

Spytek also declined to name a single top priority in free agency, pointing instead to the reality of the roster after last season.

“I’m not going to tell you that. Offense, defense, all of it. We won three games last year,” Spytek said. “We got to be super honest with where we’re at and, you know, we’ve got a lot of needs to address and we’ve got a lot of capital to do it.”

For Raiders fans searching for clarity on the biggest offseason question, Spytek delivered it early and without hesitation. The Raiders expect Maxx Crosby to be on the field in silver and black when the season begins.