Klint Kubiak’s first stint as a head coach had a rocky start when his team’s top defensive player was initially traded away, only to be returned later.
The controversial trade reversal by the Baltimore Ravens brought pass rusher Maxx Crosby back to the Las Vegas Raiders, a move that has generated much discussion. Crosby has since reaffirmed his commitment to the team, and Raiders’ general manager John Spytek sees the outcome as fate.
During a conversation with NFL Senior National Columnist Judy Battista at the Annual League Meeting, Kubiak emphasized that all is well, drawing comparisons between Crosby and other standout free agents in Las Vegas.
“I see Maxx almost every day,” Kubiak mentioned. “He’s always at the facility, sometimes even beating the coaches there. He’s a remarkable individual, and being a top-notch player means a lot to him. It’s evident in his dedication. I believe John (Spytek) mentioned this, but it’s as if he never left. Getting him back from Baltimore felt like acquiring another valuable free agent. We are truly excited to have him leading our defense.”
The rookie head coach is not worried about Crosby’s recovery timeline following his offseason surgery to mend his meniscus. This procedure may have been a factor in Baltimore hesitating to complete the trade due to medical concerns.
“I anticipate having him back during training camp,” Kubiak assured. “I won’t delve too much into details, but I’m confident he’ll be ready to go by then. Given his work ethic, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s prepared even sooner.”
