Maxx Crosby. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Raiders' coaching move could signal team's Maxx Crosby intentions

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Feb 14, 2026 5:47 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders spent Valentine's Day showing edge-rusher Maxx Crosby how much he means to them.

On Saturday, the team promoted run game coordinator/defensive line coach Rob Leonard to fill its defensive coordinator vacancy. As ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter wrote on social media, "Leonard worked closely last season with Maxx Crosby, whose future in Las Vegas remains uncertain."

"The plot thickens," as NFL media's Ian Rapoport relayed.

Crosby has been the subject of much trade speculation since the end of the regular season, but the Raiders' recent move suggests the team would prefer to keep him.

Las Vegas Raiders make thoughts on Maxx Crosby clear with defensive coordinator hire

Raiders are finalizing a deal to promote run game coordinator/defensive line coach Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator, per sources. Leonard worked closely last season with Pro Bowl DE Maxx Crosby, whose future in Las Vegas remains uncertain. pic.twitter.com/lzrNvlTzIp
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 14, 2026

With Maxx Crosby's future uncertain in Las Vegas, worth noting that the Raiders hired the coach with whom he works directly. As one person noted, "The plot thickens."
— Ian Rapoport (@rapsheet.bsky.social) 2026-02-14T21:32:06.447Z

Crosby, who turns 29 in August, is the unquestioned leader of the Raiders defense. He's the unit's best player, making five consecutive Pro Bowls and totaling 69.5 sacks since being selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

But questions have surrounded his future with the team for a few seasons as it's floundered at the bottom of the league. A player of Crosby's caliber would be immensely valuable on a playoff contender, and Las Vegas could acquire valuable draft assets to spur a turnaround by trading him.

The relationship between the two also appeared to fray when the team placed Crosby on season-ending injured reserve for the 2025 season's final two games despite his objections.

Fox Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer reported at the time that Crosby "vehemently disagreed" with the decision.

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

The Raiders appear to be trying their best to mend fences, with Leonard's promotion an obvious attempt to get back on Crosby's good side.

Will it be enough? That's hard to say. Earlier this week, Crosby declined to "throw gasoline on the fire" during a podcast appearance, leaving the door open for either outcome. But if it were up to Las Vegas, he'd stay. Promoting Leonard makes that much clearer.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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