It’s an exciting time for the Las Vegas Raiders, as Klint Kubiak was officially introduced as the franchise’s next head coach on Tuesday. However, there’s still a potential issue looming over the team.
Defensive end Maxx Crosby has been the subject of trade rumors recently, and while that’s not a thing, it does seem like the trade talk is more real this offseason. It has been reported by several insiders that there’s an expectation around the NFL that he could be traded this offseason.
Kubiak’s press conference on Tuesday may have offered some insight. According to California Post’s Vincent Bonsignore, Crosby was in the Raiders’ facilities on Tuesday, but he did not attend the press conference.
Notably, several Raiders players were in attendance, including running back Ashton Jeanty. Crosby was at Pete Carroll’s press conference last year and typically shows support.
It’s notable that he would be in the building but wouldn’t take the time to step into the press conference. That’s not going to quiet any of the trade speculation. Now, there could be any number of reasons why he wasn’t able to make the press conference, but it’s looking like a Crosby trade is more possible now than it has been in the past.
Kubiak Did Meet With Crosby
Though Crosby decided not to go to the press conference, he did get a chance to speak with his new head coach. Kubiak said that he spoke with Crosby and they shared a good conversation.
“I got to drink a cup of coffee with Maxx this morning,” Kubiak said. “Loved talking ball with him and looking forward to continuing those conversations. He was the first in here this morning working out, so that fired me up.”
Kubiak Does Not Want to Trade Crosby
If the Raiders are going to trade Crosby, it’s likely going to be because he asks for one. He’s very important to the franchise and has become a key figure in the Las Vegas community.
He’s also the team’s best player, especially on the defensive side of the ball. It doesn’t sound like Kubiak is on board with the idea of trading Crosby.
“We want him to be a part of our success going forward,” Kubiak said of Crosby. “There’s no doubt about that. He’s one of the best players in the NFL. That’s a no-brainer… to work with Maxx, and to see him continue to have success with this organization.”
Kubiak thinks very highly of Crosby as a player, and having a guy like him on the roster should help the first-year head coach. However, he’s clearly frustrated with the lack of stability and winning with the franchise.
The Raiders are rebuilding, and Crosby is getting older. The team could sell high on him right now and use the extra draft capital to get younger. They would take a hit in the short term, but it could have long-term benefits. Either way, the Raiders are in a good position. Keeping Crosby or trading him both make some sense.
Maxx Crosby Decision Amid Klint Kubiak Hiring Turns Heads