Maxx Crosby's Clear NFL Quarterback Preference Emerges
In a revealing discussion on The Rush Podcast, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby has made his NFL quarterback preference abundantly clear. The five-time Pro Bowler is reportedly rooting for Seattle Seahawks' Sam Darnold over New England Patriots' Drake Maye, sparking conversations about team dynamics and player potential.
Podcast Co-Host Highlights Reduced Pressure for Darnold
During the podcast episode, co-host Darien Terrell offered insightful commentary about Darnold's situation in Seattle. "[Darnold] He doesn't have to wear it all on his shoulders," Terrell observed, adding "JSN [Jaxon Smith-Njigba]'s gonna be there." This statement underscores the supporting cast that surrounds the Seahawks quarterback, potentially making his transition smoother than anticipated.
Crosby's Enthusiastic Praise for Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Maxx Crosby didn't hold back his admiration for the young Seahawks receiver. "I feel that JSN is unreal," Crosby declared with evident excitement. "He's had a crazy year, bro. He's been going nuclear, and clearly they knew in that front office how good he was by letting DK [Metcalf] go, and Tyler Lockett go, and just seeing him explode into being that number one receiver that clearly they saw him being."
The Raiders star continued his praise, emphasizing the front office's foresight: "You got to give them a lot of credit, too." This endorsement from an established NFL veteran carries significant weight in football circles.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba's Solo Breakout Season
The 2025 season marked a transformative period for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who demonstrated his capabilities as Seattle's primary receiving threat. Selected by the Seahawks as their first-round pick (20th overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft, Smith-Njigba delivered impressive statistics that validated the team's confidence in him.
During his breakout year, the two-time Pro Bowler recorded:
- 59 receptions across the season
- 850 receiving yards that showcased his big-play ability
- Six receiving touchdowns that contributed significantly to Seattle's offensive production
Strategic Roster Moves Paved the Way
The Seahawks' front office made calculated decisions that created opportunities for Smith-Njigba's emergence. They allowed veteran wide receiver DK Metcalf to join the Pittsburgh Steelers and experienced wideout Tyler Lockett to move to the Tennessee Titans for the 2025 season.
Metcalf, originally drafted by Seattle as the 64th overall pick in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, had been a cornerstone of their offense through the 2024 season. After six productive years with the Seahawks, his trade to Pittsburgh represented a significant shift in team strategy.
Tyler Lockett's Emotional Seattle Departure
Tyler Lockett's connection to Seattle ran deep, having been drafted by the team in 2015 as the 69th overall pick in the third round. The 33-year-old receiver played through the 2024 season, accumulating a decade of service with the franchise.
In March 2025, Lockett shared heartfelt reflections with NFL Network's John Boyle: "Ten years with the same team. I think the only people that's done it since I've been able to play on this team were K.J. [Wright], Bobby [Wagner], Russ [Russell Wilson]."
Lockett expressed genuine appreciation for his former city: "I appreciate the city too. The city is amazing. I'll always view Seattle as a college town. Maybe this isn't the end, maybe it is, but I always will be a Seahawk through and through."
Lockett's Brief Tennessee Tenure and Raiders Future
Following his Seattle departure, Lockett signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Tennessee Titans in April 2025. However, his time in Tennessee proved short-lived. By October 2025, NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that the veteran wide receiver had requested and received his release from the Titans.
Social media reactions to Lockett's Tennessee experience included one user's pointed comment: "The 20th straight retirement home receiver to sign with and fail miserably with the Tennessee Titans."
Another user shared an image of Lockett with former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, captioning it simply "Raider." This foreshadowed Lockett's next career move, as he is set to join Maxx Crosby on the Las Vegas Raiders roster for the 2026 season.
Future Teammates: Crosby and Lockett Unite in Las Vegas
The upcoming 2026 NFL season will feature an intriguing reunion of sorts, with Tyler Lockett joining Maxx Crosby on the Las Vegas Raiders. While former coach Pete Carroll won't be part of the Raiders organization, Lockett's arrival creates new offensive possibilities for the team.
Crosby's enthusiastic support for Lockett's former Seattle teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba, combined with his impending partnership with Lockett himself, creates fascinating narrative threads for the upcoming NFL season. The Raiders' receiving corps gains valuable experience with Lockett's addition, while Crosby continues to establish himself as both a defensive force and insightful football analyst.
This convergence of player movements, strategic roster decisions, and veteran insights illustrates the dynamic nature of modern NFL team building, where front office calculations intersect with player relationships and on-field performance in constantly evolving ways.
