Maxx Crosby stormed out of Raiders facility after team decided to bench star DE amid battle for 2026 #1 draft pick: Report

Maxx Crosby is out for the rest of the season. The Las Vegas Raiders have decided to bench the superstar defensive end for the rest of the season.

NFL insider Jay Glazer reported the news,

"Raiders told Maxx Crosby they want to shut him down last two games. Crosby, who has played with injuries for much of the year, vehemently disagreed and has left the building @nflonfox has learned. This could lead to questions on his future in Vegas." wrote Glazer on X (formerly Twitter).

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The Las Vegas Raiders are in a two-way battle with the New York Giants for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft. They're up against the Giants in Week 17.

Crosby has dealt with numerous injuries in the 2025 season. However, he has amassed a stat line of 10.0 sacks, 20 QB hits, and 73 combined tackles while earning his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl nod. The Raiders aren't looking to risk his fitness for the rest of the campaign.

Raiders HC reacts to Maxx Crosby's exit

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll addressed the reports of Maxx Crosby's dissatisfaction over being benched. Crosby reportedly left the Raiders’ facility after learning of the franchise's decision to keep him from playing against the Giants and the Kansas City Chiefs.

"He knows that he's banged up, so he's talking about, 'I'd like to get out of here.' And I said, 'Yeah, get out of here.' So, he took off." "This didn't just spring on him. We have been talking about it, and it was exactly what you would think he would do, and he should do. I agree with him 1,000 percent on how he responded, and I (would have) responded the same way," said Carroll.

The Raiders have won just two games this season. Those wins occurred against the New England Patriots in Week 1 and the Tennessee Titans in Week 6. They have two more games to potentially secure what could be a highly valuable No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Raiders have a host of positional needs to address in the draft. They could use an upgrade at quarterback, wide receiver, and in the defense. It remains to be seen whether Pete Carroll will be in charge for next season's rebuild or whether Maxx Crosby will stay on rather than demand a trade.

Edited by Nick Igbokwe