Maxx Crosby. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Raiders' Maxx Crosby opens up for first time since trade drama, hints at future plans

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Mar 12, 2026 12:37 AM ET

Surprisingly, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby seems happy returning to Sin City.

One would think Crosby would be livid after the Baltimore Ravens backed out of a trade agreement that would've had him join the AFC North team for 2026 and 2027 first-round picks. And it would've reportedly had him sign a revised contract that would pay him top-of-the-market money for an edge-rusher.

Instead, he expressed gratitude in his first X post since the trade drama. The five-time Pro Bowler also indicated this may be a sign he's meant to stay with the Raiders.

Maxx Crosby speaks for first time since canceled trade

"Everything happens for a reason," Crosby wrote Wednesday. "Believe nothing you hear and half of what you see. I'm a Raider. I'm back. Run that s--t."

Everything Happens For A Reason. Believe Nothing You Hear & Half Of What You See. Im A Raider. I’m Back. Run That Sh*t. ‍☠️ pic.twitter.com/8IZXiDYMio
— Maxx Crosby (@CrosbyMaxx) March 12, 2026

Crosby has clearly grown frustrated with losing after Vegas went 3-14 in 2025, failing to make the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season. However, even when he still thought he was going to be a Raven for the 2026 season, the edge-rusher expressed his love for the franchise.

"I wanted everything good for the Raiders," Crosby said in a video posted to X Sunday. "I bleed silver and black. That will never change, and I'm a Raider for life. I truly want to finish, when it's all said and done, in a Raiders jersey, whenever that time comes."

Crosby has played only for the Raiders since they selected him with pick No. 106 in the 2019 NFL Draft. Even though he has never won a playoff game during his career, it's easy to understand why he feels a sense of loyalty to the organization.

Now, of course, things could change. If the Raiders put Crosby on the trade block, many teams would be interested. Per StatMuse's data, he ranks sixth in the NFL in sacks (69.5) since entering the league. Vegas could also use draft capital in a trade to build around Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (6-foot-5, 236 pounds), the presumptive pick No. 1 in the 2026 NFL Draft.

For now, though, Crosby seems to be suggesting he wants to make it work in Vegas. The way the Raiders can do that is by following one of former owner Al Davis' adages, "Just win, baby."

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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