“Maxx is an elite player and I have been very clear from the beginning when I came here that we are in a business with very good players on the team and we need a lot more of them,” said Spytek. “It’s hard to build a great team without elite players.”
Crosby has been to one playoff game in seven seasons and is desperate to play for a contender. When asked if the Raiders can contend in 2026, Spytek pointed out that the NFL is a league with quick turnarounds.
“I think we’re going to build this team the right way,” he said Tuesday. “This league is full of examples of teams that went from a top-five pick to the NFC Championship, the Super Bowl. We’ve seen it the last few years. The Patriots won four games last year, and they were in the big game. The year before that, the Chiefs picked second and were in the NFC Championship Game. So, we’re going to build it the right way.
The GM’s comments give Raiders fans hope they can hang onto the foundation of their franchise as they enter a new season under head coach Klint Kubiak. Of course, if Spytek was going to move the star, he wouldn’t announce it at the Combine. If they are to be played, they would come later in the process.
Spytek’s comments won’t quell the rumors, but they can be slowed down.