The Chargers are on the hunt for an edge rusher, and Maxx Crosby might just fit the bill. With the Las Vegas Raiders in rebuilding mode, they’re looking to the future with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Rumor has it they’re eyeing Fernando Mendoza, fresh off a championship run with the Indiana Hoosiers.
When a team is in a rebuilding phase, trading current assets for future gains is a savvy move. For the Raiders, this could mean parting ways with Crosby, their highest-paid player. Trading him could free up about $30 million in cap space, allowing them to acquire draft picks and rebuild their roster.
ESPN's NFL analysts have proposed several trade scenarios for Crosby, including an intriguing offer from the Los Angeles Chargers:
Raiders receive: 2026 second-round pick (No. 55 overall), 2026 sixth-round pick, 2027 fifth-round pick
Chargers receive: Crosby
The Chargers are facing potential losses on the edge, with Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh possibly departing in free agency. Crosby could fill that void.
Although he plays a slightly different role, his ability to generate sacks makes him a valuable asset. Plus, his salary could be more manageable than the combined cost of Mack and Oweh.
Acquiring Crosby, even at the expense of a few non-first-round picks, could be a strategic move if the Chargers opt not to franchise tag Oweh. The notion of not trading within the division is often debated, but in this case, it might be worth the risk.
The Raiders, with their eyes on the future, might not need Crosby as much as the Chargers do right now. And by the time the Raiders are competitive again, Crosby’s contract may have already run its course.