Blockbuster Trade Sparks Debate in the NFL 2026 Off Season

Las Vegas moves on from Madd Maxx

By Ollie Gray: 3/6/26

The Las Vegas Raiders have traded star pass rusher, Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens 

less than a week from the official start of the NFL year. The former 4th round pick has made 

a name for himself over the last 7 years, becoming the face of the Raider defense and a 

premier pass rusher. The Ravens take on Crosby's massive contract and trade their '26 and 

'27 First round picks. With Crosby coming off surgery, a somewhat down year, it makes 

sense that the Raiders are moving on. This move has not seemed to impact Raider Nation, 

seeing as fans went through heartbreak when Khalil Mack was traded in Jon Gruden's first 

year back in Silver and Black. 

The NFL combine showcased many physical specimens across all position groups. The 

2026 draft class has potential to fill the gaping holes that the Raiders need to address on 

both sides of the ball.

The Raiders are looking to rebuild once again after a mulligan of a year as 2025 was 

supposed to be the year to kick off the rebuild. Pete Carroll experience was not a good one. 

Geno Smith, former Seahawk was cut after a bad season and his contract is off the Raider 

books.

Las Vegas has the most cap space in the league with $121 Million to utilize during the free 

agency period. The offensive line needs a complete revamp if the Raiders are looking to 

build for the future and support the possible #1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza. 

Fans are split on social media platforms between offensive tackle, outside linebacker, and 

wide receiver at the 14th pick acquired from Baltimore. The fact of the matter is, the 

Raiders truly need to hit on most of their picks, with players who can develop and make an 

impact. Klint Kubiak comes on in year one looking to start a new dynasty of his own after 

winning the 2025 Super Bowl with the Seahawks. GM John Spytek, needs to make up for 

lost time and wasted year in 2025.

With more than a month on the clock, the Raiders must make big steps in the right 

direction. Since the glory days and last run of the 2002-2003 season, the Raiders have not 

been able to get out of “bad team” territory. Big whiffs on speedy prospects and 

undisciplined prospects, the approach must be different with Kubiak leading the team. The 

NFL draft is a crapshoot, no player is guaranteed to succeed at the professional level. I am 

hopeful that the new coaching staff, a stud rookie QB, and free agency morph the Raiders 

into a playoff team for the foreseeable future.By Ollie Gray: 3/6/26

The Las Vegas Raiders have traded star pass rusher, Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens less than a week from the official start of the NFL year. The former 4th round pick has made a name for himself over the last 7 years, becoming the face of the Raider defense and a premier pass rusher. The Ravens take on Crosby's massive contract and trade their '26 and '27 First round picks. With Crosby coming off surgery, a somewhat down year, it makes sense that the Raiders are moving on. This move has not seemed to impact Raider Nation, seeing as fans went through heartbreak when Khalil Mack was traded in Jon Gruden's first year back in Silver and Black.

The NFL combine showcased many physical specimens across all position groups. The 2026 draft class has potential to fill the gaping holes that the Raiders need to address on both sides of the ball.

The Raiders are looking to rebuild once again after a mulligan of a year as 2025 was supposed to be the year to kick off the rebuild. Pete Carroll experience was not a good one. Geno Smith, former Seahawk was cut after a bad season and his contract is off the Raider books.

Las Vegas has the most cap space in the league with $121 Million to utilize during the free agency period. The offensive line needs a complete revamp if the Raiders are looking to build for the future and support the possible #1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza.

Fans are split on social media platforms between offensive tackle, outside linebacker, and wide receiver at the 14th pick acquired from Baltimore. The fact of the matter is, the Raiders truly need to hit on most of their picks, with players who can develop and make an

impact. Klint Kubiak comes on in year one looking to start a new dynasty of his own after winning the 2025 Super Bowl with the Seahawks. GM John Spytek, needs to make up for lost time and wasted year in 2025.

With more than a month on the clock, the Raiders must make big steps in the right direction. Since the glory days and last run of the 2002-2003 season, the Raiders have not been able to get out of “bad team” territory. Big whiffs on speedy prospects and undisciplined prospects, the approach must be different with Kubiak leading the team. The NFL draft is a crapshoot, no player is guaranteed to succeed at the professional level. I am hopeful that the new coaching staff, a stud rookie QB, and free agency morph the Raiders into a playoff team for the foreseeable future.