Raiders' Kubiak: 'No doubt' we want Crosby part of team
New Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak says his vision for the franchise includes Maxx Crosby amid speculation that the star pass-rusher could be moved this offseason.
Rumors about Crosby's future arose after reports surfaced that he was unhappy with the Raiders for shutting him down for the final two regular-season games because of a knee injury.
Kubiak said Tuesday at his introductory press conference that he has already spoken with Crosby, who's recovering from knee surgery, and looks forward to strengthening their communication.
"I got to a cup of coffee with Maxx this morning," Kubiak told reporters, including Ryan McFadden of ESPN. "Love talking with him. And look forward to continuing those conversations. He was the first one in here working out. So, that fired me up."
Kubiak added, per ESPN's Adam Schefter: "We want him to be a part of our success going forward, there's no doubt about that."
Team owner Mark Davis also noted Tuesday that he wants Crosby to remain with the franchise.
"Maxx has been a great, great Raider," Davis said, per McFadden. "He is a great Raider. He's gone through a lifetime of development here for seven or eight years, and he still is a Raider. So it's all good."
Reporters pressed Crosby last week with questions about leaving the Raiders, but the 28-year-old denied that he had started any rumors, saying that "random people" were "making big statements" on his behalf.
Keeping Crosby, who's under contract through the 2029 season, will be one of Kubiak's biggest priorities during his first season as the team's head coach.
Fresh off winning Super Bowl LX as the Seattle Seahawks' offensive coordinator, Kubiak was lauded for his work with quarterback Sam Darnold. The Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick in the draft and could choose to pair their new coach with Heisman winner and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Davis said hiring Kubiak came down to "having the first pick in the draft and understanding that there's a good chance we'll go on the offensive side of the ball."