Crosby’s Next Chapter: Raiders’ Pass Rusher Eyeing Position Switch Under Pete Carroll to Take Game to Next Level
New Raiders coach Pete Carroll might find himself with a bonus when he comes into his first training camp with the team in 2025. Not only should he have a fully rehabbed star defensive end back in the fold–Maxx Crosby, who is recovering from ankle surgery–but he might even get a double dose of Crosby.
That’s because Crosby wants to play tight end. And he says the time is coming.
Crosby was speaking this week in Las Vegas with Vegas Sports Today, and was asked about chatter that he wants to line up at tight end in an NFL game. “Oh yeah, for certain,” he said.
That’s not to say rookie star Brock Bowers is in danger of losing his job. But the Raiders did have, under former coach Josh McDaniels, different goal-line sets which called for Crosby to line up at tight end, similar to the way the Texans used to deploy star pass-rusher JJ Watt in some situations.
Now, with the hiring of Carroll–a known player’s coach–Crosby will need to persuade his new coach to line him up with the offense from time to time.
“I was just waiting on my moment. It’s coming for sure,” Crosby said of playing on the offensive side.
It’s not the first time Crosby has expressed a desire to play offense. Last April, he said much the same thing–he is waiting for his chance.
“I am not going to lie to you, I have had plays in for the last couple of years,” Crosby said in 2024. “We use them in practice, miraculous catch. Nice toe-tap on the sidelines. We do some one-on-ones, I am catching it. I am just waiting for my moment. Honestly, you never know. But, we’ll see.”
Crosby was also asked this week about the new influence Tom Brady has had on the team.
“Tom Brady is a legend so however he can help that would be dope. He is the GOAT,” Crosby said. “He has got a lot of intel, a lot of intelligence when it comes to the game of football. Nobody has won more Super Bowls than him. So, it’s awesome that he’s a part of the team.”
