The Buffalo Bills were on the brink of a blockbuster trade for All-Pro edge rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders before negotiations hit a snag, prompting the team to explore other avenues.
For a fleeting moment, it seemed like Buffalo might pull off one of the most significant trades of the year. The Bills were in serious talks to acquire Crosby, a standout defensive force, but discussions eventually slowed, leading Buffalo to pivot.
Bills GM Brandon Beane shared insights with The Buffalo News, revealing that the talks began at the NFL Scouting Combine last month. With the Raiders open to trading Crosby, the Bills emerged as one of the few teams Crosby was interested in joining.
Crosby would have been a game-changer for Buffalo’s defense. Over seven seasons, he’s established himself as one of the league’s premier edge rushers, boasting 69.5 sacks and 133 tackles for loss. His ability to disrupt both the pass and run game is well-documented.
However, the Raiders set a steep price: Buffalo’s first-round picks in 2026 and 2027. This didn’t deter Beane, but the real challenge lay in draft positioning. The Raiders favored offers from teams with higher first-round picks, like the Baltimore Ravens, who held the 14th pick, compared to Buffalo’s 26th.
To bridge that gap, Las Vegas would likely have required additional assets, such as another second-round pick or a player.
Meanwhile, the Bills were also negotiating a trade for wide receiver DJ Moore from Chicago. With free agency looming, Beane decided not to gamble on the Crosby deal dragging out.
“At that point, we were also working on the DJ Moore thing and decided, you know what, this makes the most sense for us, and let’s lock it in,” Beane explained.
The Bills secured Moore by sending a second-round pick to the Bears. Shortly thereafter, they bolstered their defensive line by signing veteran edge rusher Bradley Chubb.
As for Crosby, his journey took another twist. The Raiders reached a trade agreement with the Ravens, but it collapsed after Baltimore’s medical team flagged a previously repaired torn meniscus.
By then, the free agency frenzy had settled, and Crosby remained with Las Vegas.
While Crosby would have been a significant defensive upgrade, the Bills opted for a sure thing rather than waiting for a trade that might not materialize.