Could Maxx Crosby Be the Game-Changer the Commanders Need? A Blockbuster Trade Proposal Raises Eyebrows
Maxx Crosby’s future in silver and black is suddenly looking a lot less certain. The Las Vegas Raiders’ star defensive end-one of the most relentless pass-rushers in the league-has found himself at the center of swirling trade rumors following a rocky end to the 2025 season. And now, a new proposal has him landing in the NFC with the Washington Commanders, in what would be a franchise-shifting move for both teams.
Let’s rewind for a second. Crosby’s 2025 campaign ended prematurely when the Raiders placed him on injured reserve due to a knee injury.
The team said it was a decision made in Crosby’s best interest, but according to reports, he didn’t see it that way. FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer reported that Crosby actually walked out on the team after learning he was being shut down.
That moment seemed to signal a serious fracture between the Pro Bowl pass-rusher and the organization.
Since then, Crosby’s name has been floated in several hypothetical trade scenarios. One had him heading to the Chicago Bears in exchange for wide receiver DJ Moore and a haul of draft picks. Another linked him to the Baltimore Ravens, with the Raiders receiving Rashod Bateman and two first-rounders in return.
But now, a new team has entered the mix-and it’s a fascinating fit.
Washington’s Big Offseason Begins
The Washington Commanders are coming off a disappointing 2025 season that saw regression across the board, particularly on offense. After an exciting rookie year from quarterback Jayden Daniels, the team stalled in year two, prompting major changes to the coaching staff. Both offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt were shown the door, signaling a full reset on both sides of the ball.
So what’s the next step? Simple: bring in elite talent.
According to Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine, Washington is in prime position to make a bold move-and he’s predicting they’ll do just that by trading for Crosby. The Commanders have the cap space (roughly $89.8 million) and the draft capital to make a compelling offer. More importantly, they have a new head coach in Dan Quinn, a defensive mind who knows exactly how to maximize a player like Crosby.
Ballentine’s proposed deal looks like this:
Raiders Receive:
- 2026 first-round pick (No. 7 overall)
- 2026 fifth-round pick (No. 145 overall)
- 2027 first-round pick
That’s a steep price, no doubt. But for a franchise looking to turn the page, it might be worth every penny.
Why Crosby Makes Sense for Washington
If you’re Washington, this move hinges on one key belief: that you’re ready to contend in 2026. And if you are, then adding a player like Maxx Crosby is exactly the kind of aggressive, win-now decision that can elevate your defense overnight.
At 28 years old, Crosby is smack in the middle of his prime. He’s a five-time Pro Bowler with a motor that never quits and the kind of edge presence that changes how offenses game plan week to week. He’s not just a sack artist-he’s a tone-setter, a leader, and someone who can anchor a defense for years.
Washington already has some intriguing young pieces on defense, but they’ve lacked a true alpha in the front seven. Crosby would immediately change that. And with Dan Quinn calling the shots, you can bet the scheme would play to Crosby’s strengths-aggression, disruption, and relentless pursuit.
What’s in It for the Raiders?
For the Raiders, this is about resetting the board. Crosby is a foundational player, but if the relationship is fractured and the team is eyeing a longer-term rebuild, this kind of return could be hard to pass up.
Three premium picks-including a top-10 selection in 2026-would give Las Vegas serious flexibility. There’s even speculation that they could target quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the draft, and with this kind of capital, they’d have enough ammunition to build around him quickly.
It’s never easy to part ways with a player of Crosby’s caliber, but if the Raiders are playing the long game, this could be the kind of move that accelerates the rebuild.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just a trade rumor-it’s a potential turning point for two franchises heading in very different directions. For Washington, it’s a chance to go from rebuilding to contending in the span of one offseason. For Las Vegas, it’s an opportunity to reshape the roster around youth and draft capital.
The question now is simple: who blinks first?
Because if Washington picks up the phone and offers that package, the Raiders will have a tough decision to make. And Maxx Crosby? He might just be the biggest name on the move this offseason.