Raiders GM happy to keep Crosby: 'We welcomed him like he never left'

Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek says he'd be happy to have Maxx Crosby remain with the franchise despite previously attempting to deal him elsewhere.

Earlier in March, the Ravens nixed a trade that would've sent the star pass-rusher to Baltimore for two first-round picks.

"We had a lot of conversations throughout the season, at the end of the season obviously, through the offseason, and obviously we were presented with a challenging and difficult decision to make," Spytek said in an interview published Thursday. "Things have a way of going a certain way and working out the way they're supposed to. We welcomed him like he never left because he really never did."

The Ravens backed out of the deal days after the initial agreement due to Crosby failing his physical. The team's doctors said that the edge rusher could play in 2026, but Baltimore remained concerned about his long-term durability, according to ESPN's Ryan McFadden. Those within the Raiders organization are reportedly skeptical that Crosby's medicals were the sole reason that the trade didn't go through.

Crosby underwent knee surgery in early January to repair a meniscus tear and a related stress injury to the bone and cartilage in his knee. Las Vegas shut him down for the final two games of the 2025 season, creating friction between the organization and Crosby, who wanted to keep playing.

The 28-year-old is reportedly expected to be ready to play when training camp opens in July.

"Excited to see him work hard and attack the rehab like we know," Spytek said. "I know he's going to be back ready to rock in August this year and have many good years ahead of him still."

Crosby has earned two second-team All-Pro nominations during his seven-year career. He played 93% of the Raiders' defensive snaps over 15 games last season, totaling 28 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits, and 10 sacks.