Maxx Crosby has never been one to back down from a fight. It’s in his DNA—the relentless motor, the defiance in his eyes, the way he treats every snap like it’s his last. You don’t survive as the heart and soul of a team like the Raiders without a little stubbornness. Through coaching changes, front-office chaos, and a defense that’s too often left him on an island, Crosby has stayed put, has kept believing. But belief only gets you so far.

The franchise is at yet another crossroads. The whispers are getting louder. Trade rumors. Rebuild talk. And in the middle of it all, Crosby—Las Vegas’ fiercest warrior—is standing firm. The question is, will the Raiders stand with him? Or are they ready to cash in on their most valuable asset?

Brady had it Shady, Let’s not sugarcoat it: Raiders‘ 2024 season was a dumpster fire wrapped in a tire explosion. Their offense averaged 18.2 points per game (29th in the NFL), and their rushing attack? A league-worst 79.8 yards per game—basically handing opponents a “Kick Me” sign. The defense wasn’t much better, giving up 25.5 points per game. The turnover differential? -16. Yikes. It’s like watching a playoff team managed by Michael Scott.

Enter Pete Carroll, the 72-year-old coaching legend with the energy of a Red Bull addict. At his intro presser, Carroll vowed, “We’re starting right now; going for it immediately. We don’t have time to wait five, six years.” Crosby, clearly buying in, gushed, “With the new leadership, I’m the most optimistic I’ve been since I got here.” Is he?

The Maxx Crosby conundrum: Trade winds blow

Let’s cut to the chase: Maxx Crosby, the Raiders’ human tornado on defense, has been the lone bright spot in a franchise that’s felt like a Titanic sequel lately. Since 2019, the dude’s racked up 332 tackles, 59.5 sacks, and 23 pass deflections—stats that scream “Hall of Fame” louder than a Packers fan at a cheese convention.

But after a 4-13 season in 2024 (dead last in rushing yards, BTW), rumors are swirling faster than a Taylor Swift breakup track. The Lions and Bills are reportedly eyeing Crosby like he’s the last slice of pizza at a draft party. Detroit dreams of pairing him with Aidan Hutchinson for a crazy-level pass rush, while Buffalo’s like, “We’ll take one Crosby, hold the inconsistency.”

But here’s the kicker: Maxx Crosby’s contract has zero guaranteed cash after 2024, making him a prime trade candidate. Yet, the man’s loyalty is rock solid dismissing rumors of joining the Chiefs for a free ring. “I don’t want to go somewhere like the Chiefs and just win a ring. I want to stay here and lead the Raiders to a championship. That’s what I signed up for.” Cue the Rocky training montage music.

Carroll’s mantra? “Always Compete.” The man lives by quotes like, “Stay hungry, remain humble, and get better today,” which sounds like something you’d cross-stitch on a locker room pillow. But it’s working. Crosby, battling injuries and a 10-game losing streak in 2024, admitted, “This past year was the hardest part of my career… [But] I respect the hell out of Coach Carroll.”

So, shall we assume that the Raiders are giving up pursuing defensive assets in any potential trade? Meanwhile, Tom Brady’s playing dual roles: owner and Fox analyst. “No conflict at all,” Crosby shrugged, though we’re picturing Brady subtly FaceTiming plays from a golf cart. The Raiders’ front office, now a mix of Carroll’s grit and Brady’s brain, is all-in on a reboot.

Meet Ashton Jeanty: The RB here to save Vegas’ offense

Enter Ashton Jeanty, Boise State’s 5-star RB who rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 TDs in 2024—numbers so juicy they’d make one scream ‘Show me the money!’ The Raiders, stuck in RB purgatory, are ready to crown him their bell-cow. Draft analyst Chad Reuter called Jeanty a “vision, balance, speed, and power” prodigy, projecting him as a top-10 pick.

Jeanty’s not just stats; he’s swagger. With NIL deals worth $1.6M and a Heisman runner-up nod, he’s got the charisma of Friday Night Lights’ Smash Williams. And for a team that hasn’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since, well, forever, Jeanty’s arrival feels like finding a diamond in a desert.

Brady and Carroll—a more unlikely duo than Barbenheimer—are rewriting the Raiders’ DNA. Carroll’s coaching like he’s 30, and Brady’s ownership vibe? “Win now, ask questions later.” Maxx Crosby’s bought in, Jeanty’s the shiny new toy, and Vegas is buzzing. Picture perfect, if everything goes to plan. Sure, trading Crosby would’ve been a blockbuster, but why sell the farm when you’ve got a blueprint for renovating it?

As Jeanty gears up to don the silver and black, Raiders fans are whispering, “Maybe this time…” And if Carroll’s “Always Compete” mantra sticks? Well, Vegas might just have a Hollywood ending—no tragic prequels needed. Anyway in Crosby’s words “Brady’s here to win. And, you know, that’s what I’m here to do“