The Las Vegas Raiders are coming off an incredibly tough season, finishing 3-14. That’s one win fewer than the year before. Meanwhile, Maxx Crosby remains one of the NFL’s best players.
While many of his teammates struggled, especially for a defense that ranked 25th in points allowed, Crosby excelled once again. He not only earned his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl nod, but the 28-year-old recorded 10 sacks, his fourth season in double digits.
What’s crazy is that Crosby didn’t even get a chance to finish out his season. The team shut him down for the season’s final two games, even though Crosby “vehemently disagreed” with the decision. Crosby was so upset that he left the facility after being told of the team’s plans to shut him down. That will only invite further speculation as the offseason gets underway.
Naturally, as has been the case for several seasons, teams will come calling for Crosby, as he’s one of the NFL’s best defenders. The Raiders have done well to reject those trade proposals in the past, but is general manager John Spytek ready to take a different approach this time?
When given a chance to shoot down any and all speculation regarding his best player, Spytek opted to beat around the bush, which will only intensify those Crosby trade rumors.
“I have a lot of respect for Maxx and how much he loves to play the game,” Spytek said. “I’ve had the opportunity the last several weeks to spend a lot of time with Maxx. I think it’s been well documented that he didn’t love the idea of not playing football and I think you always want that from your best players. In fact, I think that’s why they’re your best players. So, I love Maxx. He embodies what a Raider is. I’ve been pretty upfront about that from the day I sat up here almost a year ago and I continue to believe that.”
Thus, for those paying close attention, the Raiders appear open for business with Crosby. Which, considering they’ve just earned the first overall pick, is probably the right approach for a player who will turn 29 before next season kicks off.
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