Raiders players lash out against tanking talk after Maxx Crosby decision, loss to Giants

Outsiders predictably said that the Las Vegas Raiders were "tanking" the remainder of the season in an attempt to claim the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft when they shut star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby down against his wishes last week due to a knee injury. 

The Raiders then claimed sole possession of last place in the overall NFL standings when they suffered a 34-10 home loss to the New York Giants (3-13) that dropped Las Vegas to 2-14 on Sunday. Following that defeat, multiple Raiders players fired back regarding the tanking talk that's hovering over the franchise ahead of New Year's Day.

Raiders are "not trying to lose" 

"I hate that's what people are saying or thinking," Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu said about the club possibly tanking, per Ryan McFadden of ESPN. "We're not trying to lose. I'm trying to go out and do my best because I don't know if I'm going to be here next year."

The Raiders are expected to move on from quarterback Geno Smith after this season and could use the No. 1 pick in next year's draft to acquire an advertised upgrade at the position, such as 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Las Vegas will hold the rights to that selection if the club fails to beat the rival Kansas City Chiefs (6-10) on Jan. 4. 

A previous report indicated that pressure on first-year Raiders head coach Pete Carroll was "mounting...after the team has struggled to stay competitive." Following Sunday's double-digit loss, Carroll suggested he still has support from individuals within the club's front office. 

Eric Stokes echoes Maxx Crosby about Raiders' intentions

Crosby has made it clear that he wanted to continue playing through Week 18 as long as he could manage discomfort related to his knee issue. Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes echoed Crosby's words. 

"If y'all are trying to tank, don't throw it my way then," Stokes told McFadden. "The same thing Maxx said, I'm trying to be the best person I can be. If anybody is trying to tank, y'all might as well take me out, too."

As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Raiders as 5.5-point home underdogs for their Week 18 matchup versus the Chiefs.