Raiders edge-rusher Maxx Crosby‘s season is over, and so, too, might be his time in Las Vegas.
On Saturday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Crosby is set to undergo arthroscopic ankle surgery this Monday.
Crosby then confirmed he will miss the remainder of the season in an Instagram post.
The Raiders (2-11) play the Falcons (6-7) in one of two Monday night games in Week 14.
Schefter noted Crosby originally suffered his ankle injury in Week 2’s 26-23 win over the Ravens and could need multiple operations “depending on what Monday’s procedure shows.”
“Doctors believe the extent of the injury could be worse than initially thought,” Schefter added.
In 12 games, the three-time Pro Bowler had 7.5 sacks and led the league with 17 tackles for loss.
Crosby’s 59.5 sacks since being selected No. 106 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft are the league’s fifth-most, trailing T.J. Watt (86), Myles Garrett (79), Trey Henderson (70) and Nick Bosa (60.5). (h/t Stathead)
He’s one of the top players at his position, leading to speculation about his future with a rebuilding Raiders franchise.
Schefter wrote that while Las Vegas rejected overtures from other teams interested in trading for Crosby at this season’s trade deadline,
“It won’t stop other teams from approaching the Raiders again this offseason,” Schefter said. “Crosby will turn 28 in August and is entering the prime of his career, which will be attractive to other teams.”
Several teams could use an elite edge-rusher like Crosby, making him arguably more valuable as a trade asset than a building block for Las Vegas.
The Raiders’ Monday night opponent, the Falcons, is among those that would benefit from trading for Crosby. This year, Atlanta ranks last in sacks (19).
Even coming off ankle surgery, Crosby will likely command considerable interest if placed on the trade block.
As excellent as he’s been for the Raiders in his first six NFL seasons, Crosby’s biggest contribution to Las Vegas could be what he gets the team in a trade.
