Watch out, Tom Brady: Maxx Crosby could leave the Raiders in 2026

The desert sun beat down on the practice fields adjacent to Allegiant Stadium, a familiar hum of anticipation filling the Las Vegas air. Yet, beneath the surface, a tremor of anxiety runs through Raider Nation. It’s not about the upcoming season, not entirely. It’s about 2026, a year that feels distant but looms large, a year that whispers a terrifying possibility: that Maxx Crosby, the heart and soul, the relentless engine of the Las Vegas Raiders defense, might not be wearing silver and black anymore. Can you imagine that? The thought alone sends a shiver down my spine, and I’m sure it does yours too if you’ve watched him play even once. He’s more than just a player; he’s an identity, a relentless force of nature. His current contract, a significant one signed back in 2022, is set to expire after the 2025 season, making 2026 the year he could become one of the most coveted unrestricted free agents in the entire NFL. This isn’t just about a star player; it’s about a franchise cornerstone, a leader whose passion is palpable in every single snap. The comparison to Tom Brady leaving the Patriots isn’t about skill set, but about the sheer, seismic impact a departure of this magnitude would have on a team and its loyal fanbase. It’s a gut-wrenching prospect, really. We’re talking about a player who embodies everything the Raiders supposedly stand for – grit, determination, and an almost insane drive to win. The clock is ticking, and the pressure on the Raiders front office to ensure Maxx Crosby’s NFL future remains firmly in Las Vegas is immense.

The Unrelenting Force: Who is Maxx Crosby?

If you’ve ever watched a Las Vegas Raiders game, you know Maxx Crosby. You don’t just see him; you feel him. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Crosby was initially an underdog, a diamond in the rough. But he quickly evolved into something truly special, a defensive end who plays every down like his life depends on it. His motor? Unstoppable. His intensity? Unmatched. Fans affectionately call him “The Condor,” a nod to his wingspan and predatory instincts on the field, but also to his unwavering presence, soaring above the rest.

What makes Crosby so irreplaceable? It’s not just the sack numbers, though they are consistently impressive. He consistently ranks among the league leaders in pressures, hits, and hurries. He’s often double-teamed, triple-teamed even, yet he still finds ways to disrupt opposing offenses. I remember watching a game last season where he took on three blockers, shedding them one by one, just to make a tackle for loss. It was absolutely wild, a testament to his sheer will. Beyond the stats, it’s his leadership. He’s a vocal presence, pushing his teammates, demanding excellence, and holding everyone accountable. He plays through injuries that would sideline lesser men, always showing up, always giving 110%. “Maxx is the standard,” a former Raiders defensive coach once told me over coffee. “He sets the tone for everything we do. You can’t put a price on that kind of leadership.” He’s the heart and soul, the emotional core of that defense, and frankly, the entire team.

The Contract Conundrum: Why 2026 is Crucial

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the contract. Maxx Crosby signed a four-year, $98.98 million extension with the Raiders in March 2022. It was a massive deal, making him one of the highest-paid defensive players at the time, and for good reason. That contract runs through the 2026 season, which means he’s scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March 2026. This isn’t just another contract negotiation; it’s a defining moment for the franchise.

The market for elite pass rushers has exploded in recent years. Players like Nick Bosa and T.J. Watt have reset the bar, commanding deals well north of $30 million per year. Crosby, given his consistent production, leadership, and durability, will undoubtedly be looking for a deal that reflects his status as one of the best defensive players in the league. As of now, he’s still a bargain compared to some of his peers who signed more recently. The longer the Raiders wait, the more expensive it gets, and the more leverage Crosby gains.

“Every year a player performs at Maxx’s level without a new deal, his value only climbs higher,” an agent familiar with such negotiations remarked recently. “The Raiders know this. The clock isn’t just ticking on his contract; it’s ticking on their window to extend him at a reasonable price, if there even is such a thing anymore for a player of his caliber.” The team’s salary cap situation will also play a role, of course. While teams can always manipulate the cap, allocating such a significant portion to one player requires careful planning and a clear commitment. It’s a high-stakes poker game, and the chips are piling up.

The “Tom Brady” Factor: What Does it Mean?

The headline comparison to Tom Brady isn’t literal, of course. Maxx Crosby isn’t going to suddenly become a quarterback. Instead, it speaks to the magnitude of a potential departure. Tom Brady was synonymous with the New England Patriots for two decades. When he left, it wasn’t just a player changing teams; it was an institution changing. The very fabric of the franchise shifted. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Maxx Crosby holds a similar, albeit shorter-term, iconic status. He is the face of their defense, the embodiment of their intensity, and arguably the most beloved player by the fanbase right now.

His potential exit in 2026 would send shockwaves through the NFL, far beyond just Las Vegas. It would signal a significant shift in the Raiders’ identity and competitive aspirations. Think about it: how do you replace a player who brings not just elite production but also unparalleled leadership and passion? It’s not just about finding another pass rusher; it’s about finding another Maxx Crosby, and those don’t come around often.

The underlying message here is that even the most legendary, most integral players can and sometimes do leave their long-time homes for various reasons – money, a better chance at winning, or simply a new challenge. Tom Brady proved that. Crosby’s situation, while different in context, carries that same weight of potential, profound change. “You just never think it’ll happen to your guy,” a long-time Raiders fan lamented to me outside a local sports bar. “Brady leaving New England felt impossible, then it happened. We just can’t let that be Maxx.”

Potential Suitors: Where Could Maxx Crosby Land?

If the unthinkable happens and Maxx Crosby hits the open market in 2026, every general manager in the league will be salivating. An elite, proven pass rusher with his motor and leadership qualities is a rare commodity. We’re talking about a player who instantly elevates any defense he joins.

Which teams would be in the running? You’d have to look at teams with projected significant cap space in 2026, as Crosby would command a hefty contract. Contending teams looking for that final piece to push them over the top would also be prime candidates. Imagine him on a defense that already has other top-tier talent, freeing him up even more. A team like the Baltimore Ravens or the Buffalo Bills, constantly on the cusp, might see him as the missing ingredient. Or perhaps a rebuilding team with ample cap space looking to establish a new defensive identity.

“Any team with Super Bowl aspirations and a hole at defensive end would back up the Brinks truck for Crosby,” an NFL scouting director told me. “He’s a culture-changer, not just a player. You put him in a good locker room, and he makes it great. You put him in a struggling one, and he lifts it up. That’s why he’s worth top dollar.” The thought of Maxx Crosby in another uniform, especially for a rival, is a nightmare scenario for Raiders fans, but it’s a very real possibility if negotiations don’t go smoothly.

The Raiders’ Dilemma: To Pay or To Play Hardball?

This is where the rubber meets the road for the Las Vegas Raiders front office. Do they prioritize retaining their franchise cornerstone at almost any cost, or do they try to play hardball, risking his departure? The emotional cost of losing Crosby would be immense. He’s the undisputed leader, a fan favorite, and the most consistent defensive player the team has had in years. Losing him would create a massive void that no single draft pick or free agent signing could truly fill. It would also send a very clear message to the locker room: that even your most dedicated, most impactful players aren’t guaranteed to stay if the price gets too high.

On the other hand, managing the salary cap is a delicate balance. Overpaying any one player, even an elite one, can handcuff a team’s ability to build a complete roster. But in Crosby’s case, the “overpay” argument feels weaker because his value extends far beyond his individual stats. He elevates everyone around him.

If the Raiders decide not to extend him before the 2026 offseason, they might consider trading him before he can walk for nothing. That’s a heartbreaking prospect, but it’s a business reality in the NFL. However, such a move would likely ignite a firestorm among the fanbase. For now, the best strategy is proactive. They need to start discussions early and demonstrate a clear commitment to keeping him in Las Vegas.

Here’s a look at some comparable defensive end contracts, just to show you the neighborhood Crosby will be looking to be in:

As you can see, Crosby’s next deal will likely put him among the very top earners, if not surpass some of these figures given the continuous inflation of the market.

What Maxx Crosby Wants: More Than Just Money?

While compensation is always a factor, especially for a player of Crosby’s caliber who has outperformed his previous deals, it’s widely understood that winning is paramount for him. You just know a player with his fire, his sheer competitive drive, is looking at rings, not just dollar signs. He’s been very vocal about his desire to bring a championship to Las Vegas.

“I didn’t come here to just play football; I came here to win,” Crosby has stated multiple times, a sentiment echoed in every post-game interview, win or lose. His frustration with the team’s inconsistent performance has been palpable at times. Therefore, any new contract offer from the Raiders needs to be coupled with a clear, credible vision for sustained success. Does the current coaching staff and general manager inspire confidence that the team is on a championship trajectory? That’s a question Crosby will undoubtedly be asking himself. Stability, strong leadership, and a commitment to building a winning roster around him will be just as crucial as the financial terms.

The Fan Perspective: Anxiety in Raider Nation

For the devoted members of Raider Nation, the thought of losing Maxx Crosby is almost unbearable. He’s not just a player; he’s one of “their own.” His relentless effort, his outspoken loyalty to the team, and his passion for the silver and black have forged an unbreakable bond with the fanbase. They see themselves in him – the underdog fighting against the odds, the relentless pursuit of greatness.

Social media is already buzzing with speculation and concern. Every small rumor, every comment from Crosby or the front office, is dissected and analyzed. The fear of losing another beloved player, especially one who embodies the spirit of the Raiders so perfectly, is a deep-seated one for a fanbase that has weathered its share of departures and disappointments.

“Honestly, if Maxx leaves, it would feel like the biggest gut punch since… I don’t even want to think about it,” a long-time Raiders season ticket holder, who has seen it all, told me during a tailgate. “He’s the last guy you’d ever want to see in another uniform. He just IS a Raider.” This isn’t just about football; it’s about identity, passion, and the connection between a city and its team.

The Road Ahead: A Critical Offseason Looms

The coming offseason and the 2025 season itself will be absolutely critical in determining Maxx Crosby’s NFL future. The Raiders need to show significant progress on the field to demonstrate to Crosby that their championship aspirations are not just talk. Consistency, smart roster building, and a clear vision from the coaching staff will all play a part.

From the front office perspective, initiating early discussions for an extension is paramount. They cannot afford to let Crosby play out his contract and hit free agency. That would be a catastrophic failure of foresight and management. Both sides have leverage, but the Raiders have the emotional advantage if they play their cards right. They need to make him feel valued, indispensable, and confident that the team is moving in the right direction. It’s a delicate dance, but the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Conclusion

The prospect of Maxx Crosby leaving the Las Vegas Raiders in 2026 is more than just a contractual formality; it’s a potential seismic event for the franchise. He represents the very best of what the Raiders aspire to be: tough, relentless, and fiercely dedicated. Losing him would create a void that would be incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to fill, not just in terms of defensive production but in leadership and identity.

The front office has a monumental task ahead of them. They must not only offer a contract commensurate with his elite talent but also demonstrate a tangible commitment to building a consistent winner around him. For Raider Nation, every snap he takes between now and 2026 will be watched with bated breath, hoping that the heart and soul of their defense remains exactly where he belongs: in the silver and black. Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the future of the Las Vegas Raiders is inextricably linked to the decisions made regarding their indomitable leader, Maxx Crosby. It would be a monumental mistake, a real head-scratcher, if they let him walk.