Sunday’s matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants has huge 2026 NFL Draft implications. In the matchup between the 2-13 clubs, the loser has the path to the No. 1 overall pick and control of the draft.
Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby spoke honestly about the player’s perspective entering the showdown.
“Yeah, I don’t care about the pick, to be honest,” he said Tuesday. “I don’t play for that. That’s not my job. My job is to be the best defensive end in the world. That’s what I focus on every day. Being a great leader, making an impact. Being that guy on a consistent basis for my team.”
Fans are allowed to take control of the team they invest their time, money and emotional support in to ensure the best possible future. Front office and coaching staff can have their preferences.
But the players? Those players whose careers could end in one click? Players who put their bodies through hardships few can understand? Players who spend every moment looking for an advantage that can lead to victory? They play to win.
Crosby understands the ambiguity well.
“It’s their job. It’s the front office, the coaches, they do it,” he continued. “It’s nothing to do with me. I’ve learned my lesson in the past. You can’t control everything. It’s not my job description. My job is to be the best in the world at what I do. And that ruins the game.”
The five-time Pro Bowler is right not to worry about the draft. Even securing the No. 1 slot guarantees nothing for the future. For the only time in the joint draft era that the Raiders had the No. 1 pick, they selected JaMarcus Russell, one of the biggest bust picks in history.
Sunday marks the third game in NFL history between two teams 11-plus games under .500. Others: 2-13 Buccaneers beat 1-14 Colts in Week 17, 1991; The 1-14 Colts beat the 2-13 Patriots in Week 16, 1981.