The Jacksonville Jaguars' 2025 campaign may have ended short of a Super Bowl run, but let’s be clear - this was a season that deserves serious recognition. Thirteen wins, the second-most in franchise history, and a quarterback in Trevor Lawrence who took another big step toward elite status. This wasn’t just a good year for the Jags - it was a statement that they’re not just knocking on the door in the AFC, they’re starting to kick it in.
But if Jacksonville wants to make the leap from playoff contender to legitimate Super Bowl threat, they’ll need more than just a strong offense and a rising quarterback. They need a true defensive game-changer - someone who can flip a drive with one play, who opposing coordinators have to account for on every snap.
Enter Maxx Crosby.
The Las Vegas Raiders’ star edge rusher is one of the most disruptive forces in the league, and with rumors swirling about his future in Vegas, this could be the kind of opportunity that rarely comes around. Crosby’s situation with the Raiders turned turbulent late in the season.
With the team out of postseason contention, Vegas opted to shut Crosby down for the final two games - a move that didn’t sit well with the veteran. He reportedly left the facility after being informed he wouldn’t play again in 2025, and later underwent knee surgery.
Now, let’s be real - Crosby isn’t just some disgruntled player looking for a change of scenery. He’s still a top-tier pass rusher, even if his sack total dipped to 10 this past season.
He’s relentless, durable, and plays with an edge that would instantly elevate Jacksonville’s front seven. At 29 years old, he’s still in his prime, and the kind of player who could tilt the balance of power in a playoff game.
From the Raiders’ perspective, they’re in rebuild mode. They’re not close to contending in the AFC, and moving Crosby now, while he still holds significant value, could help them stockpile picks.
While he may not command a first-rounder at this stage - especially with Jacksonville currently without a 2026 first-round pick - the Jaguars do have assets to work with. A package built around their second-round selection and two of their three third-rounders could be enough to get the Raiders to the table.
That’s three picks in the top 100 - a strong return for a team trying to reset its roster. And for the Jaguars, it’s a calculated swing that could pay off in a big way.
Imagine pairing Crosby with Josh Allen on the edge. That’s a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. It would take pressure off the secondary, allow the linebackers to play more freely, and give Jacksonville the kind of defensive identity that championship teams are built on.
This isn’t about making a splash for the sake of headlines. This is about building a roster that can go toe-to-toe with the heavyweights of the AFC - the Chiefs, the Ravens, the Bills. If there’s mutual interest and the price is right, this is a move that makes sense for both sides.
For the Jaguars, the window is open. A move for Maxx Crosby might just be the push they need to break through it.