Maxx Crosby’s name has been buzzing in NFL circles for months, and as the offseason heats up, the Las Vegas Raiders’ star edge rusher finds himself at the center of some serious trade chatter. After a 2025 campaign that saw him rack up 73 tackles, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception, and six passes defended over 15 games, it’s no surprise teams are lining up for a shot at acquiring one of the league’s most relentless defensive forces.
Crosby wasn’t just productive last season - he was disruptive. Week in and week out, he brought the kind of edge pressure that can tilt a gameplan, and his motor never stopped.
That’s what makes the trade rumors so compelling. He’s not just a player - he’s a tone-setter, the kind of guy who can change the DNA of a defense the moment he walks into the building.
Several teams have already been linked to Crosby, including the Dallas Cowboys, who reportedly explored a move before last season’s trade deadline. More recently, the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears have surfaced as potential suitors.
And they’re not alone. According to reports, four other teams - the Detroit Lions, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and Cowboys again - could be in the mix if the Raiders decide to move on.
It’s not hard to see why the interest is so widespread. Each of those teams could use a player like Crosby to elevate their pass rush and bring some much-needed attitude to their front seven. Whether it’s the Lions looking to take the next step in the NFC, the Patriots trying to rebuild their defensive identity, or the 49ers seeking another elite piece for their already-stacked unit, Crosby fits.
But here’s where things get interesting: there’s still a real possibility he stays in Vegas.
The Raiders are entering a new era under head coach Klint Kubiak, and all signs point to them selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft. That move would signal a fresh start, a youth movement on offense, and potentially a long-term vision that may not align with Crosby’s current timeline - he’s in his prime and ready to win now.
Complicating matters further is how last season ended. Crosby was shut down for the final two weeks of 2025 by then-interim head coach Pete Carroll, despite his desire to keep playing. That decision reportedly didn’t sit well with the Pro Bowler, and while Carroll is no longer in the picture, it’s fair to wonder if that moment left a lingering impact on Crosby’s relationship with the organization.
Still, a new coaching staff and a fresh quarterback could be enough to convince Crosby to stick around and help lead the next chapter of Raiders football. He’s been the heart and soul of that defense, and if there’s mutual buy-in from both sides, there’s no reason he couldn’t remain the cornerstone of the Raiders’ rebuild.
But if the Raiders decide it’s time to turn the page and recoup assets, the market for Crosby will be fierce. He’s not just a pass rusher - he’s a culture changer. And wherever he lands, you can bet the expectations will shift immediately.
For now, all eyes are on Las Vegas. And whether Crosby stays or goes, the decision will ripple across the league.