As the dust settles from the unexpected collapse of Maxx Crosby's trade to the Baltimore Ravens, the NFL world is buzzing with speculation about his next destination. The standout edge rusher, who has openly expressed a desire to leave the Las Vegas Raiders, remains at the center of trade talks. The question looming large is: where will Crosby play in 2026?
The Raiders seem ready to move on, and it's hard to imagine them keeping Crosby after all the trade chatter. Enter the Philadelphia Eagles, a team on the hunt for pass-rushing prowess. Their recent pursuits of Jaelan Phillips and Trey Hendrickson, both of whom signed elsewhere, underscore their eagerness to bolster their defensive line.
Crosby could be the answer to their defensive needs, and there's growing chatter that the Eagles might be gearing up to make a move. According to insights from Seattle Seahawks podcaster Dan Viens, there's a scenario where Howie Roseman, the Eagles' savvy general manager, could snag Crosby at a more favorable price than the Ravens had on the table.
Given the Raiders' willingness to negotiate and the lingering questions about Crosby's health following a failed physical, the market dynamics have shifted. While the Raiders won't let Crosby go for a bargain-basement price, his value is unlikely to plummet to a mere Day 3 pick level. If it did, the Raiders might just hold onto him.
The Eagles, with their strategic mindset, might be prepared to offer a first-round pick, especially if they foresee recouping one for A.J. Brown down the line. A package involving a first and a second-round pick, or perhaps two seconds with one potentially escalating to a first, could be on the table.
Philadelphia's connections to the Raiders' front office might also play a pivotal role in negotiations. With figures like John Spytek, Brandon Hunt, and Anthony Patch having ties to the Eagles, there's an established trust that could facilitate a deal. After the Ravens' fallout, this trust could be crucial.
Ultimately, expect Roseman and the Eagles to be actively exploring the cost of acquiring Crosby. The situation is dynamic, and with the Eagles' history of strategic trades, they're likely to be in the mix for one of the league's premier pass rushers.