INDIANAPOLIS — Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek affirmed Tuesday that star defensive end Maxx Crosby is expected to be on the roster for the 2026 season, while leaving the door open for trade inquiries.

Speaking at the NFL Combine, Spytek faced direct questions about Crosby’s future amid reports of tension and a potential trade request. “I do,” Spytek said when asked if he expects Crosby to play for the Raiders in September. He later added, “Maxx and I have a great relationship. He’s in the building every day getting healthy right now. We talk on the phone. We text.”

Spytek downplayed any rift, but acknowledged the team’s philosophy of listening to offers. “We’re always listening,” he said, echoing his stance on trade calls for the No. 1 overall pick. Reports during Super Bowl week suggested Crosby, drafted in 2019, was frustrated with constant organizational turnover and wanted out. Crosby did not directly deny the rumors but pushed back against them.

The decision to shut Crosby down for the final two games of the 2025 season — as the Raiders pursued the top draft pick — is believed to have strained relations. Crosby underwent meniscus surgery after the season and is currently rehabbing.

Spytek emphasized the need to build around elite talent. “Maxx is an elite player, and I’ve been very upfront since I got here that we are in the business of having really good players on the team,” he said. “It’s hard to build a great team without elite players.” He pointed to recent examples of teams like the Patriots and Commanders that turned around quickly after top-five picks, expressing confidence in a similar rebuild for the Raiders.

Regarding the No. 1 pick, Spytek remains open to trading down despite strong speculation that the team will select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. “I learned a long time ago to always listen,” Spytek said. “I’m always listening.”