Maxx Crosby recalls Jon Gruden’s vow to return to the Raiders

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Maxx Crosby already has a good idea of how cold the business of the NFL can be.

For years, he was the heartbeat of the Las Vegas Raiders, a defensive anchor in a franchise often adrift.

Now, the relationship between the two sides is fractured, perhaps irreparably, after the team decided to shut Crosby down for the final two games of the 2025 season against his wishes.

Amid the current turmoil, Crosby has been looking back. A viral clip has resurfaced in which he described the emotional scene at former coach Jon Gruden’s home following his resignation in 2021.

Maxx Crosby sees Jon Gruden plotting a comeback

“He's just sitting in the corner like the Godfather,” Crosby told the “Bussin' With The Boys” podcast. “He couldn't even, like, look me in the eyes... He was just, like, apologizing.”

Crosby recalled Gruden telling him he would be “back,” a statement that has gained relevance as Gruden prepares to coach the 2026 Hula Bowl alongside his brother, Jay.

“It was tough to see a guy like that who's such a good dude and such a fing loyal, like, ride-or-die person,” Crosby said. “To this day, he's like that. ‘I'll be back.’”

With rumors suggesting owner Mark Davis may consider returning Gruden to the organization, Crosby’s nostalgia for a more loyal era highlights his dissatisfaction with the current regime.

The Raiders are moving Crosby

For the first time, league sources believe the Raiders would be open to moving the star defensive end this offseason, insider Dianna Russini reported.

“For the first time, league sources believe the Raiders would be open to moving Maxx Crosby this offseason,” Russini wrote on X. “The relationship between the two sides remains strained after the five-time Pro Bowler was shut down for the season.”

Having played through injury to record 10 sacks and a career-high 28 tackles for loss, Crosby’s desire to compete has collided with an organization looking to the future.

With the Raiders securing the NFL’s worst record and the 'Total Reset' strategy in full swing, is now the time for the five-time Pro Bowler to call it a day in Las Vegas?

Decision will ‘come to you with time.’

The Raiders are weighing the value of their 28-year-old pass rusher against the draft capital his departure would yield.

Head coach Pete Carroll announced the decision to shelf Crosby was to protect the asset, prioritizing long-term value over the veteran’s desire to play.

“Hopefully, the right conclusion for his long betterment,” Carroll said last week.

But the decision has left Crosby fuming. Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reported that the defensive end “vehemently disagreed” with the move and “stormed out of the team facility.”

Crosby, who obtained two independent medical opinions clearing him to play through a meniscus injury, has publicly rejected the team’s tanking strategy.

“I don't give a s--- about the pick, to be honest,” Crosby said. “My job is to be the best defensive end in the world.”

Broader league trends may impact the Raiders’ offseason, with teams hesitant to fire head coaches due to a weak candidate pool. This uncertainty hangs over Las Vegas as they prepares to rebuild, potentially leaving Crosby in limbo if he remains.

Why Crosby rejected the ‘Total Reset.’

Jessica Cryderman - The Sporting Tribune

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end, Maxx Crosby (98) getting excited before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on November 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA.

After playing with the NFL’s worst record in 2025, the franchise is all set to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft, positioning them to select franchise quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Moving Crosby would let the Raiders give a rookie quarterback several first-round teammates, which reportedly fits Carroll’s focus on developing young players.

But surely this is not how Crosby wanted his time in Vegas to end.

His on-field dominance was pivotal to the Raiders maintaining any semblance of competitiveness, and now he is being sidelined for the sake of a draft pick.

If a trade occurs before the 2026 league year, the Raiders would incur only $5 million in dead money. The acquiring team would inherit a three-year deal worth $106.5 million, with $59 million guaranteed.

Trade destinations after Vegas

Crosby may soon be preparing for life after the Raiders.

The Chicago Bears, who possess multiple first-round picks, and the New York Jets have emerged as potential suitors.

There is also the possibility of the Seattle Seahawks, where Crosby could fit Mike Macdonald’s defense or reunite with Carroll’s system, should the coach remain active in personnel.

Crosby is scheduled for a “meniscus trim” this month, with reports suggesting the recovery will be short.

He is expected to be fully healthy for the 2026 training camp, but whether he will be wearing Silver and Black remains the biggest question mark of the offseason.

If the Raiders commit to their youth movement, they may not be able to offer Crosby the competitive environment he craves, but they would have the opportunity to set their new-look roster on the right path with the assets he returns.

But the way Crosby stormed out of the facility, he had the air of a man who was saying goodbye.

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