The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are staring down a pivotal offseason after a 2025 campaign that started with promise and ended in frustration. At 6-2, the Bucs looked like a lock to take the NFC South.
But then came a stunning collapse-seven losses in their final nine games-and just like that, they were on the outside looking in when the playoffs began. The final 8-9 record not only cost them a postseason berth, but also triggered a wave of coaching changes and put head coach Todd Bowles firmly on the hot seat heading into 2026.
Now, the focus shifts to how Tampa Bay can regroup and reload. One path back to playoff relevance?
Go big on defense. And there’s one name that’s suddenly generating a lot of buzz: Maxx Crosby.
According to reports, the Las Vegas Raiders’ star edge rusher could be on the move. Crosby has long been the heart and soul of the Raiders' defense, known for his relentless motor, elite production, and leadership. But as the Raiders continue to tread water in the AFC, Crosby’s desire to play for a true contender is reportedly becoming more of a factor.
The interest in Crosby is already heating up. We’re talking about a player who’s still in his prime, has a team-friendly contract for his level of production, and can single-handedly change the dynamic of a defense.
It’s no surprise that upwards of 20 teams are expected to at least kick the tires on a potential deal. Among the usual suspects?
The Bills, Lions, 49ers, Cowboys, and Ravens-teams with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations and a need for a game-wrecker off the edge.
But here’s where it gets interesting: the Buccaneers are being floated as a dark horse in the Crosby sweepstakes.
Now, Tampa isn’t typically the team that dives headfirst into blockbuster trades. But this situation might be different.
Adding a player like Crosby wouldn’t just be a splash-it could be the move that vaults the Bucs back into the thick of the NFC playoff race. After all, they’ve shown in recent years-especially during the Baker Mayfield-led playoff runs post-Brady-that they’re not afraid to make bold moves when the opportunity is right.
Crosby would immediately elevate a defense that struggled to generate consistent pressure down the stretch last season. His presence would open things up for the rest of the front seven, take pressure off the secondary, and bring a much-needed edge (literally and figuratively) to a unit that needs a spark.
And let’s not forget: Tampa Bay has talent on both sides of the ball. What they need now is a tone-setter-someone who can lead by example and raise the standard in the locker room.
If the Bucs truly want to bounce back in 2026 and re-establish themselves as contenders in the NFC, this might be the kind of swing they need to take. Maxx Crosby isn’t just a name on the trade block-he’s a culture-changer. And if Tampa Bay wants to shake off the sting of last season’s collapse, there may be no better way than bringing in a player who plays every snap like it’s his last.