The Cincinnati Bengals are heading into the 2026 offseason with a clear sense of urgency. After finishing 6-11 in a season derailed by Joe Burrow’s turf toe injury, the team is looking for answers-and more importantly, reinforcements. One of their star players already has someone in mind.
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase didn’t hesitate when asked which Pro Bowler he’d want to see join the Bengals. His pick? Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby.
“I wanna go with your boy from Vegas, though. Maxx Crosby,” Chase said during an appearance on Up & Adams.
It’s a name that makes a lot of sense. The Bengals’ offense, when healthy, is one of the most dynamic in the league.
Burrow, Chase, Tee Higgins, and a strong supporting cast have proven they can light up the scoreboard. But on the other side of the ball, the defense has been inconsistent-particularly when it comes to rushing the passer and closing out games.
Adding a relentless force like Crosby to the front seven would be a game-changer.
Tee Higgins, never one to miss a beat, added his own pitch to Crosby: “Hey Maxx, man, come on to the Bengals, man.”
Even host Kay Adams chimed in, saying she could “see him in Cincy.” And really, it’s not hard to imagine. Crosby brings the kind of edge presence that would immediately elevate Lou Anarumo’s defense and give the Bengals a legitimate anchor up front.
A few years ago, the idea of Crosby being available would’ve been laughable. He signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension with the Raiders in 2025, a deal that signaled Vegas was building around their defensive cornerstone.
But the NFL moves fast, and the Raiders have been stuck in a cycle of coaching changes and front office turnover. According to one NFL executive, Crosby is “done in Vegas,” frustrated by the lack of stability and long-term vision.
That opens the door-at least slightly-for a blockbuster move.
Of course, the big question is whether Cincinnati would be willing to pay the price. Crosby wouldn’t come cheap.
One NFL insider even suggested he could command more in a trade than Micah Parsons, which is saying something. Parsons is widely considered one of the most valuable defensive players in the league, so if Crosby’s stock is that high, the Bengals would need to be all-in to make it happen.
And that’s where things get tricky. Cincinnati has historically been cautious when it comes to big trades and splashy acquisitions. But with a franchise quarterback in his prime and a roster that’s close to contention when healthy, this might be the time to take a swing.
There’s no question the Bengals need to bolster their defense if they want to keep pace in a loaded AFC. Whether it’s Maxx Crosby or someone else, adding an elite pass rusher could be the missing piece that helps them get back to the playoffs-and beyond.
For now, it’s just a bit of offseason wishcasting from Chase and Higgins. But don’t be surprised if the Bengals’ front office is listening. Because if Cincinnati wants to make 2026 different, it starts with bold decisions-and Crosby would be just that.