The Dan Patrick Show (Hour 1): Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors

Date: February 19, 2026
Hosts: Jonas Knox & Lavar Arrington (Filling in for Dan Patrick)
Network: Fox Sports Radio / iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

Hour 1 of The Dan Patrick Show, hosted today by Jonas Knox and Lavar Arrington, dives deep into swirling NFL trade rumors surrounding Las Vegas Raiders superstar Maxx Crosby. The conversation explores whether Crosby’s recent public praise for Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams is a signal of a potential trade to Chicago, or just typical offseason speculation. The hosts also veer into humorous territory, addressing public opinion’s impact on NFL front office decisions, value in blockbuster trades, and the peculiar world of Winter Olympic hockey—all while mixing in their signature banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Maxx Crosby’s 'The Rush' Podcast with Caleb Williams (05:00)

• Jonas introduces the hot NFL offseason topic: Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby’s recent comments praising Caleb Williams on The Rush podcast.
• Key Quote (Crosby, via Lavar, 05:26):
  "Respect, yeah. Different level, bro. You're one of those guys for sure, and you're just getting started. You don't even know yet how good you can be—and that's the scariest part. ... Keep that mindset, keep doing what you're doing. We're locked in. Forever. You need me, hit me at any time. It goes vice versa."

Interpretation:
- Lavar sees Crosby’s remarks as unusually heartfelt and authentic for a star player. - Jonas notes how NFL fans and media are quick to speculate that such praise signals a potential trade or alliance.

2. Are the Raiders Trading Crosby? Trade Dynamics & Market Value (07:28, 09:15)

• Jonas recaps current rumors, reporting from Jay Glazer and Adam Schefter: Crosby is frustrated in Vegas, especially after being shut down late in the season while the franchise appeared to tank for draft picks.
• Trade Analysis:
  • Raiders are reportedly demanding a “Micah Parsons-type” haul: two first-rounders plus a marquee player (07:28).
  • The team is not motivated to trade Crosby and, crucially, holds all leverage since Crosby has no no-trade clause.

Key Quote (Jonas, 09:15):
"Just because Caleb Williams is on a team that could use some pass rush help... just because [Crosby’s] being nice on a podcast, doesn’t mean the Raiders are going to say, 'Hey, you know what? Upon further review, you guys get along so great, let’s take less of a deal and send you to Chicago.' Nah, man. Raiders are going to be like: ‘Kiss my ass.’"

3. The Power of Public Opinion & Strategic PR Moves (09:26–14:42)

• Lavar theorizes that players now use media appearances and podcasts to strategically influence public (and team owner) opinion, potentially swaying trade negotiations.
• Crosby’s timing and choice to praise Williams (high-profile, potential suitor team) is painted as a calculated move to generate buzz and possibly pressure Vegas’ front office.
• Key Quote (Lavar, 14:22):
  "You put it out there, it gets consumed, it gets distributed... Now, something you thought was a nothing becomes a something. It creates a big conversation—now the Bears say: 'We may have a possibility here...' On the Raider side, maybe it helps you make the decision to move on from Max."

4. Realities of NFL Trades: The Player’s Desires vs. Team Control (16:12, 17:40)

• Jonas reminds listeners that ultimately, “what the player wants doesn’t matter if the front office has leverage.” The Raiders will trade Crosby based on their own interests, not because of public flirtation with Caleb Williams or clever PR moves.

• Key Quote (Jonas, 17:40):
  "If somebody blows the Raiders away with an offer, they’re not going to care that Crosby likes Caleb Williams. They’re going to try and get the most legit offer, as they should."

• Lavar emphasizes the human side: sometimes franchises do try to “do right” by stars who’ve given their best years, but only if it dovetails with their own best interests.

• Key Quote (Lavar, 18:17):
  "He’s given it his all ... one of the most impactful, influential players... There’s nothing like wasting good years of your hard, hard work and belief. ... That’s what we all want: a chance to win a Super Bowl."

5. Lighter Moments and Side Banter (15:16–21:46+)

• The hosts riff on:
  • The endless dysfunction of the Raiders franchise, comparing them to losing slot machines in Vegas. (“Hey, another L came up. What do you know?” – Jonas, 15:36)
  • Race and NFL player identity jokes (tongue-in-cheek “trade” of Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett, 21:09–21:46).
  • Sports media’s tendency to blow minor stories into week-long sagas.

Secondary Segment: Winter Olympics Hockey Banter (28:46–42:50)

• Light-hearted take on the U.S. men’s hockey team’s surprising win over Sweden and the potential for a classic USA vs. Canada gold medal matchup.
• Discussion of where NHL players come from, Pro Bowl vs. Olympic breaks, and classic hockey/football player lineages.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Lavar on the power of rumor (14:22):
  "You put it out there, it gets distributed, then all of a sudden, something that was a nothing becomes a something."

• Jonas on trade rumors (09:15):
  "The Raiders are going to be like: 'Nah, man, kiss my ass.'"

• Lavar on veteran frustration (18:17):
  "There’s nothing like wasting good years...and now you’re too old to have those impactful conversations about actually winning a Super Bowl."

• Comic relief (15:36):
  "Hey, go play the Raiders slot. Everybody, spin the wheel. Dang. Another L came up. What do you know?" — Jonas

Important Timestamps

• [05:00] – Introduction of the Maxx Crosby/Caleb Williams podcast moment.
• [07:28] – Breakdown of the Raiders’ trade demands and Crosby’s rights.
• [09:26] – The importance of public relations and media in star player movement.
• [14:42] – Lavar’s analysis on players influencing trades via calculated media moves.
• [17:40] – Jonas explains the bottom line on NFL front offices and star trades.
• [18:17] – Lavar’s reflection on what it’s like for a star to waste years on a bad team.
• [28:46] – Hockey, Winter Olympics banter; USA vs Canada potential.

Summary

Tone & Atmosphere:
Comedic, lively, and insightful. Jonas and Lavar blend real football analysis with their own experiences and playful, sometimes edgy, banter. The show is great at both breaking down hard NFL news and keeping it light with sports pop-culture references.

Takeaway:
Despite swirling rumors and PR strategies, star player trades remain a matter of team leverage and market value—not podcast friendliness. The Crosby-to-Chicago speculation is fun fodder but still a remote possibility unless the Raiders are bowled over by a trade offer.

For listeners who missed the episode:
You’ll get a clear, in-depth understanding of the NFL’s rumor mill, the realities behind blockbuster trades, and why not every “bromance” on a podcast leads to an actual player move. Plus, you’ll enjoy the hosts’ comedic chemistry, especially as they jump between football analysis and wild tangents about hockey, slot machines, and even Olympic shenanigans.

Key Segment Quotes with Timestamps can be referenced above for deeper context during re-listening.