Silver Minings: Mark Davis sounds off on Maxx Crosby trade rumors

The Las Vegas Raiders are on their bye week, and with no game scheduled for Sunday, the attention has shifted off the field and onto the swirling trade rumors surrounding the team. From wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to defensive standout Maxx Crosby, the Raiders' roster has been the subject of intense speculation. However, amidst the noise, one voice stands firm: that of team owner Mark Davis.

During the fall owners' meeting, Davis sat down with the media to address the ongoing chatter about potential trades, particularly regarding Crosby, the Raiders’ All-Pro edge rusher. While the 2-5 start to the season has made the idea of adding draft picks for the future tempting, Davis remains resolute in his stance that Crosby will not be going anywhere. In fact, Davis made his position clear when asked about the rumors surrounding his franchise’s centerpiece players.

"I don’t know how many times I’ve got to say it," Davis said, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. "It’s really hard to keep getting asked the same question every month or week or whatever when the answer’s going to stay the same. I don’t know why anybody would think I’d change my mind or the organization would."

It’s clear that Davis is not entertaining the idea of moving Crosby, who was given a contract extension just this past offseason. The owner’s loyalty to his star defensive player is unwavering, even as the team struggles to find consistency this season. For Davis, Crosby is a vital part of the Raiders' future—a player who not only contributes on the field but is a symbol of the team’s defensive identity.

The fact that Crosby’s name has repeatedly come up in trade talks, especially with teams potentially looking to acquire a top-tier pass rusher, hasn’t fazed Davis. The 2-5 record has undoubtedly complicated the Raiders' goals for the season, but Davis insists that trading away key players like Crosby would be a step backward, not forward.

"We’re not in rebuild mode," Davis remarked, reinforcing his belief that the Raiders are still focused on building something sustainable for the long term.

Interestingly, while Crosby is off the trading block, Davis did mention that if anyone were to be moved, it would be quarterback Geno Smith.

"If I’m ever going to make a move and trade someone, the only player I’d even consider parting with is Geno," Davis said. "But let me be clear, that’s not something I’m looking to do."

It’s an unexpected remark, given that Smith is the starting quarterback and plays a pivotal role in the team’s future, but Davis’ words highlight the owner’s focus on building around core players like Crosby and ensuring that the franchise's foundation remains strong.

The trade rumors involving Crosby and other key players have only intensified the scrutiny of the Raiders' current state. With the team’s playoff chances looking slim, many have suggested that it might be time to start thinking about a rebuild—especially if the organization is unwilling to part with top talent. Yet, Davis' commitment to patience with the new regime speaks volumes. He is determined to see the Raiders through this difficult stretch, believing that a turnaround is possible without dismantling the team’s core.

Despite the early season struggles, Davis remains confident that with the right moves and continued support for players like Crosby, the Raiders can rebound. The big question is whether the organization’s strategy of holding onto key players will pay off or whether a more drastic shift is needed in the coming months. For now, however, it’s clear: Maxx Crosby is staying put, and any changes to the roster will be made with a long-term vision in mind.

With the trade deadline approaching, the future of the Raiders remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—Davis is committed to maintaining the foundation of his franchise and refusing to part with the players who are central to that vision.