Ashton Jeanty isn’t one to stay quiet. This time, however, he was late in sharing his unfiltered opinion on the possible trade of his teammate and close friend, Maxx Crosby. For Jeanty, the defensive end should not be traded.
Crosby’s situation is among the most volatile in the NFL right now. Entering the third and final year of his current contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, the star pass rusher is set to earn $30.8 million.
Related:
The Raiders could save nearly $24 million in salary cap space if they move him in the coming weeks. Until recently, Crosby appeared open to a trade, but the narrative has shifted.
In recent comments, Crosby dismissed the rumors, saying he laughs at speculation about his departure. Jeanty, meanwhile, stressed the importance of keeping Crosby in Las Vegas.
Jeanty’s message to Crosby and the Raiders’ front office
Last week, during a conversation with Kay Adams on the Up & Adams podcast, Jeanty passionately defendedCrosby, calling him the “heart of the defense” in Las Vegas.
This week, in an interview with PFSN, Jeanty was more measured but equally firm:
“It’s very important for Crosby to remain part of the team going forward,”
Still, Jeanty admitted he isn’t privy to behind-the-scenes negotiations. “I don’t know anything behind the talks or anything like that, but obviously that’s… I don’t control any of that,” he acknowledged.
While Jeanty is pushing for Crosby to stay, the Raiders’ front office may have already made a move that could convince the six-year veteran to remain.
The Kubiak Factor could shape Crosby’s decision
Analysts have pointed to several reasons for Crosby’s potential departure, ranging from salary cap flexibility to the injury that sidelined him for the final two games of the regular
season.
However, others, such as Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, believe the arrival of new head coach Klint Kubiak could be the deciding factor.
According to Breer, Kubiak may pursue Jim Schwartz for the defensive coordinator role. Crosby has long admired the former Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator, and his addition could be the final push Crosby needs to stay in silver and black for another season.