Cowboys Receive Clear Message on Raiders Star Maxx Crosby
Over the offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders made personnel decisions for a quick turnaround, such as hiring a 74-year-old Pete Carroll and trading for veteran quarterback Geno Smith. However, amid their 2-5 record, it’s becoming clear that fixing the Silver and Black might require long-term decision-making.
As a result, could the Raiders start making decisions on players and coaches that don’t fit the timeline of a long-term rebuild? On October 21, a report from Trey Wingo emerged regarding Maxx Crosby being on the trade market heading into the NFL trade deadline.
One team needing a pass rusher is the Dallas Cowboys, who traded Micah Parsons right before the 2025 NFL season. Whether or not the Cowboys can put together an offer in the offseason to convince Crosby to head to Dallas remains to be seen, but former NFL punter Pat McAfee would like a deal to get done in the future.
“[Crosby] looks so cool,” McAfee said on the October 21 edition of “The Pat McAfee Show.” “He would be a cool Cowboy. That would be a very cool Cowboy. And Jerry Jones goes, ‘This [explative] guy’s available.
“Remember, I said, ‘Hey, I got these picks now. You never know what’s going to happen. People never think I’ll bring in another pass rusher. Same, a little bit older maybe. Actually, this
“Nobody would expect cheaper, too. Nobody would expect me to give up a couple first for that. Boom. Then Magic Man does it again. Look at the lamb man pulling this thing off. Maxx Crosby now is getting to the quarterback.'”
Maxx Crosby Won’t Be Traded Before the Deadline
Despite their 2-5 record and potential interest from teams like the Cowboys, the Raiders aren’t willing to offload probably their most significant asset on the team.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Jane Slater have reported that the Raiders’ leadership met with Crosby and assured him he won’t be traded. Crosby has emphasized that his main goal is to win, but he’s also made it clear that he wants to be part of building a winning culture in Las Vegas.
It will be interesting to see if the Silver and Black or the player have this same stance in the offseason. Nonetheless, there’s a potential opening for a rival team to present an offer with multiple picks to lure Crosby away, especially if the Raiders finally understand that they need a long-term rebuild rather than anything short-term.
Should Las Vegas Consider Trading Maxx Crosby?
Trading Crosby would likely bring the Raiders a hefty return, at a minimum two first-round picks. At 28, he is an All-Pro talent who has been putting up impressive numbers despite limited support around him. Placing him on a defense with other impact players could push those numbers even higher.
Nonetheless, any long-term decision on Crosby will depend on what the Raiders intend to do with Carroll. A rebuild doesn’t fit his timeline and if that’s the path the franchise takes,
Former Seahawks Draft Pick Emerges as Unexpected Star in Carolina
When the Seattle Seahawks decided not to re-sign offensive lineman Damien Lewis after the 2023 season, few anticipated the impact his departure would have. However, Lewis has since transformed into a pivotal figure for the Carolina Panthers, becoming one of the NFL's most surprising success stories of the 2025 season.
Drafted by the Seahawks in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Lewis quickly established himself as a reliable starter on Seattle's offensive line. Despite facing challenges with position changes and team transitions, he remained a consistent presence. In 2023, after the Seahawks selected guard Anthony Bradford, Lewis continued to start, but the team ultimately chose not to match the Panthers' four-year, $50 million offer.
Since joining Carolina, Lewis has been instrumental in the team's offensive resurgence. The Panthers have improved from a 2-15 record in 2023 to a 5-12 finish last season, and as of mid-2025, they boast a 4-3 record. Quarterback Bryce Young has shown significant progress, and running back Rico Dowdle ranks third in the league in rushing yards, averaging an impressive 5.5 yards per carry.
A key factor in this turnaround has been the stability provided by Lewis and fellow free-agent acquisition Robert Hunt on the interior offensive line. Under their protection, the Panthers' offensive line has drastically reduced its sack total from 65 in 2023 to just 26 in 2024. Despite facing multiple injuries this season, including to Hunt and starting center Austin Corbett, Lewis has remained a steadying force, earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 72.3, ranking him 13th among all guards.
Lewis's unexpected success in Carolina serves as a reminder of the importance of player development and the potential for growth when provided with the right opportunities. While the Seahawks have moved forward with their current roster, Lewis's journey underscores the unpredictable nature of player careers and the impact of organizational decisions.
As the Panthers continue their push for a playoff spot, Damien Lewis stands out as a testament to resilience and the unforeseen paths that can lead to success in the NFL.
