1 of the Many Areas the Raiders Need Improvement In

The Las Vegas Raiders must make the right decisions this offseason or risk another subpar season.

Sep 28, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Fox Sports broadcaster Tom Brady looks on from the field before the game between Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders' offseason will be remembered by several things. However, one will be near the top of the list.

Raiders' Weaknesses

Daniel Wasserman of Pro Football Focus recently analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of every team in the National Football League. The Raiders' weaknesses were on display every week for 17 weeks this season. Wasserman noted Las Vegas' defenses as an area that needs improvement.

One of those issues will be the relationship between the front office and Maxx Crosby, which has been in question since the front office informed Crosby he would not play the final two games of the season, even though he felt healthy enough to do so. Some believe this has caused a rift.

Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the tunnel against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

"The Raiders enter the offseason with no shortage of issues to address. They finished the year with the lowest-graded defense in the NFL and lack a deep collection of young, foundational pieces to build around. Compounding matters, their top defensive player, Maxx Crosby, appeared frustrated late in the season, creating uncertainty around his long-term future with the team," Wasserman said.

The Raiders recently fired Pete Carroll. Although the search is ongoing, the Raiders still must find a way to patch things up with Crosby. If they are unable to do so, it would be fair for both sides to explore trade options, as it would be a win-win. Crosby deserves a chance at team success.

Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field after loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Still, unless Las Vegas received a tempting offer, which included multiple first-round picks, trading Crosby should be off the table. Crosby is the face of the franchise. He will be irreplaceable, even with multiple first-round picks, as there is no guarantee those picks would be used on offense.

Raiders General Manager John Spytek knows Crosby will be vital to the Raiders' future, one way or another. Crosby's future is yet another significant decision the Raiders' front office must address this offseason.

Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the tunnel against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

"I have a lot of respect for Maxx [Crosby] and how much he loves to play the game, and I've had the opportunity in the last several weeks to spend a lot of time with Maxx, and I think it's been well documented that he didn't love the idea of not playing football," Spytek said.

"I think you always want that from your best players. In fact, I think that's why they're your best players. So, I love Maxx; he embodies what a Raider is. I've been pretty upfront with that from the day that I sat up here almost a year ago, and I continue to believe that."

Sep 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders offensive tackle Kolton Miller (74) is loaded onto the medical cart during the second half against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

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