"Just Trying To Get Some Attention": Max Crosby Shuts Down Las Vegas Raiders Trade Talk Before The Deadline

Maxx Crosby on the Raiders trade deadline and his future in Las Vegas© Image via X/@nfl

Maxx Crosby wants to stay a Raider, and he said so right after Las Vegas lost 38-17 to the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 8. The star defensive end spoke 48 hours before the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, Nov. 10, with the Las Vegas Raiders at 4-5. And just months after a failed trade to Baltimore Ravens, he told reporters he plans to stay in silver and black. His message to rival front offices was short. Don't bother calling.

Maxx Crosby Says He Wants To Stay With The Raiders

Crosby's words land differently because of last year's drama. During Super Bowl week in February, he let it be known through intermediaries that he was unhappy and open to a trade. Baltimore agreed to send two first-round picks, then voided the deal over concerns about his physical. He came back to the only NFL team he has known since 2019.

On Sunday, he sounded settled.“I play for the Raiders,” he said in the locker room after the game. “I expect to play for the Raiders. That's all that matters. I love this team, and I plan on being here for a very long time.”

He also waved off the rumor mill.“There's always narratives and always people that supposedly have all this inside information,” he said. “I speak very clearly because everyone has an opinion, but nobody really (knows anything). Everyone that has these random things that come out of nowhere is just trying to get some attention and clickbait. So it's just part of the game. It comes with being a player of my stature and comes with the nature of the business.”

General manager John Spytek told Crosby last year that he would not be traded. It is unclear whether the two have spoken again this season.

Raiders Playoff Hopes After The San Francisco 49ers Loss

Crosby had a busy day on the field. He sacked Brock Purdy in the first half, but turnovers and poor defense sank the Raiders. His earlier worries about the rebuild appear to have eased, helped by a competitive first half of the season.

He still believes this team has a path.“We're right in the mix,” he said. “We're 4-5. We had a tough loss today, but when we're at our best, we can beat anyone. We know it's going to be a tough challenge. We've got a lot of football left and we have to take them one at a time. We're right in the middle of it. This is the best time of the year. This is what you've worked so hard for.”

Eight games remain. The next one comes Nov. 15 at Allegiant Stadium against the Seattle Seahawks, and a win would bring Las Vegas back to .500. For now, the Raiders have their best defender, and he says he wants to stay.