After a phenomenal start to his career with the Las Vegas Raiders, Maxx Crosby could potentially be on the move. With the Raiders far away from contention, they could trade away assets like Crosby to boost draft capital for a rebuild — and we might have gotten the biggest hint yet from Crosby.
While recovering from a tightrope surgery on his injured ankle, Crosby was active on Twitter during Week 16. However, the tweet that caught everyone’s eye has fans speculating about Crosby ending up with the division rival Kansas City Chiefs next season.
Fans Ready To Welcome Maxx Crosby Despite Rivalry
Since he came into the league, Crosby has been a thorn in Kansas City’s side. Due to their division rivalry, the two teams face off twice every year. Crosby has been as outspoken as one can be about his opponents. For years, it seemed like there was genuine animosity between the two sides, especially between Crosby and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
However, earlier this season, when rumors of a Crosby move first began, it felt serendipitous that Crosby altered his tune on the team. “I’ll hunt his a** down every time I go out there, but he knows that, and he respects it, and it goes both ways.” Simultaneously, Mahomes too gave Crosby his due. “He’s a dog, man.”
KC🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
— Maxx Crosby (@CrosbyMaxx) December 22, 2024
So, as the Chiefs won their 14th game of the year against the Houston Texans in a standalone Saturday game, Crosby posting “KC” along with fire emojis on Twitter got everyone talking.
Fans were quick to welcome him on board despite the rivalry between the two franchises.
“I absolutely cannot stand the Raiders as an organization but you are one of the few to ever wear the silver and black that I and about a zillion other Chiefs fans would love to see in a Chiefs uniform. Your game speaks for itself.”
I absolutely cannot stand the Raiders as an organization but you are one of the few to ever wear the silver and black that I and about a zillion other Chiefs fans would love to see in a Chiefs uniform. Your game speaks for itself.
— Jay Oakley (@Joakley98) December 23, 2024
Don’t do this to us bro
— fatty patty (@theonlydyl_) December 23, 2024
Others didn’t want to hope too early, jokingly warning him. “Don’t do this to us bro.” Some fans were ready to flaunt Kansas City’s pedigree in a bid to lure him to the team as well, claiming “you deserve a ring.”
Damn Maxx, I hate that you have to live through yet another rebuilding year in 2025. You deserve a ring but with the Raiders you'll never get one.
— Spardas_lair (@DantesLucia) December 23, 2024
For most fans in Kansas City, the respect for Crosby was obvious.
Chiefs fan here. Nothing but respect for you. I only wish you were playing for the Chiefs.
— Frank Barajas (@FrankBarajas_KC) December 23, 2024
However, some Las Vegas fans weren’t happy with the disposition taken by Chiefs fans.
According to them, K’Lavon Chaisson of his Raiders getting a critical sack is what prompted the tweet from the DE.
“Dude watching Raiders game and K’Lavon Chaisson got a sack. Crosby can ball, but he’ll play on bad Raider teams until he’s past his prime, then traded or released to finish his remaining NFL days chasing a ring or a bag.”
Dude watching Raiders game and K'Lavon Chaisson got a sack. Crosby can ball, but he'll play on bad Raider teams until he's past his prime, then traded or released to finish his remaining NFL days chasing a ring or a bag 💰.
— Topek24 (@legendarytestes) December 23, 2024
The high-flying Chiefs under Mahomes have now taken on the identity of a defensive juggernaut. For the second straight season, they are on pace to finish with a top-five defense in the league.
Adding one of the best defenders in the league in Crosby would be a no-brainer. Already a three-time Pro Bowler and a two-time member of the second-team All-Pro, Crosby would make an already formidable Kansas City team virtually unbeatable.
Maxx Crosby Is Far From Done
An ankle injury was a cause for concern throughout the year. Ultimately, he was ruled out for a Week 15 contest before deciding to undergo season-ending tightrope surgery. Earlier in the week, a downtrodden Crosby had a grim message.
“As much as this pains me to write, I will not be playing the rest of the season. Second time this year getting rolled up on the same ankle and now it will require surgery. As much as it pains me to not go to war with my brothers and for the fans, I truly believe everything happens for a reason. I have absolutely zero regrets with my process, my approach and my discipline to this game,” a part of the entire message below read:
To All My Fans… I Love Yall. Back Better Than Ever. #Limitless 🦅💎 pic.twitter.com/ew1DQxbKjq
— Maxx Crosby (@CrosbyMaxx) December 15, 2024
But, with the surgery now complete and successful, Crosby once again took to X (formerly Twitter), this time with a far different outlook.
Despite being limited to a wheelchair, the determination to come back better than ever was clear. “Everything Happens For A Reason…This Bounce Back Will Be Iconic,” Crosby’s message read.
For Crosby, the 2025 season is going to come at a crossroads. The Raiders have been struggling mightily since he got there, primarily due to the lack of a franchise quarterback. Further, with no guaranteed contract attached to him, Crosby could look for a new or restructured deal from Las Vegas.
But the Raiders, who should get a shot at a top-flight QB in the 2025 NFL Draft, might see more value in trading the defensive end away. While his contribution is infallible, the return might be worth it for a rebuilding squad.