Could Maxx Crosby Be on the Move? Raiders Star Drawing Trade Buzz as Offseason Heats Up
Maxx Crosby’s name is starting to swirl in trade rumors again - and this time, there might be more smoke than usual. After a tough 3-14 season for the Las Vegas Raiders, the franchise is staring down another pivotal offseason, and Crosby, one of the league’s most dominant edge rushers, could be at the center of it.
Let’s start with the big picture. The Raiders took a step back from their 2024 campaign, and while that regression landed them the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, it also raised big questions about the direction of the team. There’s uncertainty at multiple levels of the organization - from the front office to the field - and that includes how they’re handling their relationship with one of their cornerstone players.
Crosby was shut down late in the season, sidelined a couple of weeks before the finale, and that decision reportedly caused some friction between him and the team. It’s the kind of move that can shift a player’s outlook on their future with a franchise - especially a player like Crosby, who’s poured everything into the silver and black since day one.
Now, trade chatter is picking up. The Dallas Cowboys reportedly made a call about Crosby before the trade deadline, and the Baltimore Ravens have been floated as a possible offseason destination. But another intriguing name has entered the mix: the Chicago Bears.
The Bears are coming off a major offensive turnaround under head coach Ben Johnson, who wasted no time putting his stamp on the team. But while the offense is trending in the right direction, there’s still a noticeable gap on the defensive side - particularly when it comes to getting after the quarterback. That’s where Crosby could be a game-changer.
At 28, Crosby is still in his prime, and his production speaks for itself. He’s consistently among the league leaders in pressures, sacks, and tackles for loss. Compared to other potential edge options like Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson or Philadelphia’s Jaelan Phillips - both of whom could hit free agency - Crosby offers a blend of age, durability, and elite output that’s hard to match.
Of course, acquiring him won’t come cheap. Crosby is under contract through 2029 on a three-year, $106.5 million extension, and any team looking to pry him away from Vegas will need to come with a serious offer. The Bears, who have the draft capital and cap flexibility, could be in position to make a move - but it would take a hefty package to even get the Raiders to the table.
Still, the idea of pairing a five-time Pro Bowler like Crosby with a young, ascending Bears defense is the kind of swing that could reshape the NFC North. Whether Chicago is willing to go all-in remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: if Crosby is truly available, there won’t be a shortage of suitors.
For now, the Raiders hold the cards. But with a franchise in flux and a superstar defender potentially eyeing a fresh start, this is a storyline to watch closely as the offseason unfolds.