Maxx Crosby’s future with the Las Vegas Raiders has become a significant talking point during the NFL offseason, as many teams would love to add the star defensive end to their roster.
Near the end of his team’s season, Crosby appeared as if he might be ready to depart, seeming frustrated over getting shut down for the final games. For the weeks following that move, speculation kicked up about which teams might be the ideal landing spots for him, and what the Raiders might be able to get in return.
However, major news about the team’s coaching staff may factor into that decision. On Thursday, word arrived about the process to fill the defensive coordinator position, indicating that DL coach and run game coordinator Rob Leonard was in line for an interview.
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The news arrived on Thursday via Ari Meirov, citing an unnamed source. According to Meirov’s report, it’s significant in that Crosby reportedly has a high regard for Leonard when it comes to the team’s coaching staff.
Leonard is coming off his first season on the Raiders coaching staff. While there may be other candidates for the Raiders’ DC position, he can point to coaching a defensive line that ranked second in the NFL in passes defended (20).
Crosby achieved his fourth Pro Bowl selection this season, recording 45 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits, and 7.5 sacks among his stats.
Following a disappointing 3-14 season, the team fired former Super Bowl-winning coach Pete Carroll. After an extensive search and multiple interviews, they decided to hire Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, fresh off his Super Bowl LX win.
Regarding the defensive coordinator role, Aden Durde served in that position on Carroll’s coaching staff this past season. Last month, the Pittsburgh Steelers hired Durde as their DC, amid a busy offseason of coaching changes around the league.
Las Vegas will interview other candidates for defensive coordinator, but Leonard as DC could be a coaching hire that helps keep Crosby interested in suiting up for the Raiders’ defense.
A variety of teams are listed as potential suitors for a Maxx Crosby trade. Among those mentioned often are the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and Seattle Seahawks.
However, teams including the Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, and Philadelphia Eagles are also getting some buzz in the Crosby trade rumors.
Along with the Crosby news, the Raiders are heading to the upcoming NFL Draft feeling pretty good about improving their roster. Las Vegas’ poor record earned them the first pick, and many believe they’ll select Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza from the NCAA National Champion Indiana Hoosiers.
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