On Sunday, the Las Vegas Raiders will face the New York Giants, with the loser likely to receive the top pick in the 2026 draft. However, Raiders star Maxx Crosby recently stated that he is not interested in the number one pick. Now he has been removed from the roster anyway, which is said to have led to a heated argument.

In any case, the upcoming game between the two currently worst teams in the NFL is attracting a lot of attention.

Both the New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders are 2-13. The loser of Sunday’s head-to-head matchup has the best chance of securing the number one pick in the 2026 draft. That’s why it’s safe to assume that neither team will be particularly interested in winning the game.

Maxx Crosby: “I don’t give a damn about the top pick”

However, the ambitious Maxx Crosby takes a completely different view. “To be honest, I don’t give a damn about the number one pick,” the Raiders’ star defensive end made clear on Tuesday.

“That’s not why I play, that’s not my job. My job is to be the best defensive end in the world. That’s what I focus on every day,” explained Crosby, who emphasized that he wants to deliver for his team.

This was Maxx Crosby earlier this week on the No. 1 overall pick being on the line vs. the Giants on Sunday:

“Yeah, I don’t give a sh*t about the pick. I don’t play for that. My job is to be the best defensive end in the world.”

pic.twitter.com/W6aJJwUFan https://t.co/Ujs1zIDKT2

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 26, 2025

But the Raiders obviously had other plans. The team from the gambling metropolis removed Crosby from the roster for the game against the Giants and also for the last game in Week 18 against the Kansas City Chiefs. This was confirmed by head coach Pete Carroll at Thursday’s press conference. Star tight end Brock Bowers had already been placed on IR, as had safety Jeremy Chinn.
Crosby is said to have left the Raiders’ training facility.

Which is basically understandable. Crosby has been struggling with a knee injury since October, so a break seems sensible with a view to the future.

However, the 28-year-old feels ready to play and is desperate to do so. This has apparently led to a dispute with the Raiders’ management.

According to sports reporter Jay Glazer, Crosby protested “vehemently” against the decision and subsequently left the Raiders’ training facility.

This could now even cast doubt on the future of the exceptional defensive end in Las Vegas.

The Tank Bowl is not only eagerly awaited—it is already making headlines in the run-up to the game.