The Las Vegas Raiders have been in the spotlight as trade chatter heats up ahead of the NFL trade deadline. Rumors have swirled about the Raiders potentially moving key players, and star DE Maxx Crosby’s name keeps coming up. The Raiders have made it clear that, time and again, Crosby is not available. And even though the Raiders are sitting last in the AFC West and just lost a close game (30-29) to the Jaguars, Crosby still seems as committed to staying put.

“Raider Nation I Love Yall With Everything In My Heart & Soul. Yall Deserve Better. Stay As One, It Will Change. 🦅🖤,” the Raiders DE posted on X following a close defeat against the Jaguars.

That sounds more like a rallying cry than a goodbye, doesn’t it? Just a few days back, NFL insider Jay Glazer confirmed what many suspected. During Fox NFL Kickoff, he shared that the Raiders are not trading Maxx Crosby. 

“The Raiders told him they’re not moving him,” Glazer noted. “But also, Max Crosby said, I don’t want to go anywhere.” 

That’s loyalty from both sides. Maxx is too important to trade unless he asks for it, and he clearly hasn’t. His production this season says it all. Through eight games, he has 21 solo tackles, 11 assists, 5 sacks, and one interception. Recently, on Sunday Night Football, while playing against the Jaguars, he recorded 4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 pass defense, and 3 tackles for loss. He did everything he could to slow Jacksonville’s passing attack. 

After the game, the Raiders’ DE doubled down on his devotion to the franchise, saying, “Personally, I just have a special connection with the fan base. I’ve been here for seven years now… They’ve been through it just like I’ve been through it.”

Maxx Crosby has never hidden his love for being a Raider. Even after the team’s latest defeat, he expressed appreciation for the fans. Raider Nation needed that reassurance after the heartbreaking Sunday night’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars 

The Raiders get handed a tough loss in OT vs the Jaguars

The Raiders battled until the final snap but lost 30-29 in overtime to the Jaguars on Sunday night. And yes, it came down to a two-point conversion. With 16 seconds left in overtime, Raiders’ QB Geno Smith’s pass was batted down at the line by DaVon Hamilton, crushing hopes of a comeback win and dropping Las Vegas to 2-6. After the game, the #98 felt the sting alongside the fans. 

“I know everyone puts their time and effort to come and watch us play… falling short, time and time again, I feel for them,” Crosby said. “I’m going to just continue giving everything I’ve got until I can’t anymore.” 

That’s raw emotion, passion, and leadership, but Crossby could only do so much for his team that unraveled under pressure. The defense struggled badly in the second half. The offense did enough to win in regulation, but the defense couldn’t hold up. Even standout efforts, especially from players like Brock Bowers, weren’t enough for the Raiders to get over the victory line. 

Now, the Raiders face a brutal reality. Their playoff hopes look dim as they prepare for a tough matchup against the 7-2 Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football next week. Trade decisions loom before that game. Will the Raiders make moves? One thing is clear: Maxx Crosby isn’t quitting on his team or the Raiders Nation just yet.