What the Raiders GM said about Maxx Crosby trade rumors

New England Patriots

“We’re in the business of having really good players on the team and we need a lot more of them.”

Maxx Crosby AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

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Raiders general manager John Spytek told reporters on Tuesday that he expects Maxx Crosby to stay with the Raiders.

Crosby signed a three-year, $106 million contract extension with the Raiders last March. But, with the Raiders coming off of a 3-14 season, there have been rumors that Las Vegas may be willing to part with the 28-year-old pass-rusher for the right price.

Spytek was asked about Crosby’s future with the team during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

“Maxx is an elite player and I’ve been very upfront from the start when I got here,” Spytek said. “We’re in the business of having really good players on the team and we need a lot more of them. It’s hard to build a great team without elite players.”

Cosby underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus last month. Spytek said he has been in contact with the five-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher.

“Maxx and I have a great relationship,” Spytek said. “He’s in the building getting healthy right now. We talk on the phone, we text. I have a great relationship with Maxx.”

Spytek was asked if he was confident that he knew where Crosby’s head is at in terms of wanting to be a member of the Raiders going forward.

“Maxx and I have had great conversations, I’m comfortable there, yeah,” said Spytek.

Crosby, 28, has recorded at least 10 sacks in five of the last seven seasons. He’s a two-time second-team All-Pro selection at defensive end. He has spent his entire career with the Raiders, dating back to when the team was still in Oakland during his rookie season.

ESPN’s Ryan McFadden noted that Spytek did not say that Crosby was untradeable.

“I learned a long time ago, always listen,” Spytek said, per ESPN. “I’m always listening.”

Crosby has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason. Edge-rusher is a team need for the Patriots, with K’Lavon Chaisson set to hit free-agency and Harold Landry coming off of a knee injury that hampered him during the playoffs.

Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf listed some of the traits New England looks for in edge rushers.

“Pass rush. Speed and violence. Explosiveness. First-step quickness,” he said. “The ability to win in multiple ways. You can’t just be an edge, you know, run-about-a-hoop guy at this level. There are some guys in college that are able to be successful that way, but you need different things in your toolbox.”

“I think the guys that can rush with power are at maybe more of a premium, the guys that are athletic and can rush with power. That’s why, I mean, everyone is looking for pass rushers in this league. It’s not just going to be us. We’ll see if we can improve that spot.”

Wolf was not asked specifically about Crosby during his Tuesday media availability, but he did say the team is staying open minded as it looks for ways to improve the roster.

Khari A. Thompson

Sports Reporter

Khari Thompson covers professional sports for Boston.com. Before joining the team in 2022, Khari covered college football for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.