Raiders’ Kubiak Expresses Desire to Retain Star Defender Maxx Crosby
– Las Vegas Raiders’ newly appointed head coach Klint Kubiak made a clear statement regarding the future of star defensive end Maxx Crosby, expressing a strong desire to keep the five-time Pro Bowler with the team.
Kubiak addressed the media for the first time as head coach, following a ceremony that included Raiders legends such as Charles Woodson, Marcus Allen, Howie Long, and Jim Plunkett. He acknowledged the need to earn the trust of Raider Nation through action, not just words, as he steps into a franchise that has faced considerable challenges since its last Super Bowl appearance over two decades ago.
A key component of Kubiak’s plan for success, he indicated, centers around retaining Crosby. “We want him to be a part of our success going forward, there’s no doubt about that,” Kubiak stated. “He’s one of the best players in the NFL, that’s a no-brainer to get to work with Maxx and see him continue to have success with this organization.”
The new head coach revealed he had the opportunity to speak with Crosby on Tuesday morning and anticipates further conversations. This comes amid speculation surrounding Crosby’s future with the Raiders, fueled by reports that he has expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s direction and may seek a trade.
According to reports, Crosby allegedly communicated to Raiders part owner Tom Brady that he does not intend to continue playing for the team. However, both Kubiak and Raiders owner Mark Davis have publicly stated their desire to keep Crosby in Las Vegas.
Kubiak emphasized his enthusiasm for working with Crosby, noting that the defensive end was the first player at the team facility on Tuesday, even while rehabilitating from a knee surgery. “That fired me up,” Kubiak said.
The situation is further complicated by Crosby’s current contract, which extends through 2029. While this doesn’t obligate the Raiders to trade him, it does present a potential challenge as Kubiak begins to shape the team in his vision. ESPN has reported that while the Raiders prefer to keep Crosby, they may be open to considering trade offers if the situation warrants it.
The Raiders are hoping Kubiak’s arrival, fresh off a Super Bowl win as the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator, will usher in a new era of success. Retaining a player of Crosby’s caliber is seen as crucial to achieving that goal. The coming weeks and months will be pivotal in determining whether Crosby remains a Raider and a cornerstone of the defense under Kubiak’s leadership.
The future of Crosby remains one of the major storylines of the NFL offseason, and Kubiak’s early commitment to retaining him signals a clear priority for the new Raiders regime.
