Maxx Crosby Trade Watch: Five Teams That Could Make a Run at the Raiders Star Edge Rusher
Is Maxx Crosby on the move?
That’s the question swirling around one of the NFL’s most relentless defensive forces as trade chatter starts to heat up. According to Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer, Crosby’s time in Las Vegas could be nearing its end - and a deal might even go down before the 2026 NFL Draft.
Crosby, who’s been the heart and soul of the Raiders' defense, was sidelined for the final two games of the season with a knee injury - not by choice. He reportedly wanted to keep playing, but the team opted to shut him down. That decision, Glazer noted, may have played a role in Crosby’s growing desire to move on.
Let’s be clear: Crosby isn’t just another pass rusher. He’s a game-wrecker. In 15 games this past season, he racked up 10 sacks, 73 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and even snagged an interception - all while dealing with a meniscus injury that required offseason recovery.
Trading for Crosby won’t come cheap. He signed a three-year extension last March that guarantees him $30 million in 2026, and Glazer believes his trade value could exceed what the Cowboys got for Micah Parsons - a deal that included two first-round picks and a defensive tackle. That’s a steep price tag, but for a player of Crosby’s caliber, it might just be worth it.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added that Crosby hasn’t officially requested a trade, but don’t be surprised if something materializes around the draft or shortly after. With that in mind, here are five teams that could be in the hunt for No. 98.
1. New England Patriots
Fresh off a Super Bowl 60 loss to the Seahawks, the Patriots are at a pivotal crossroads. Yes, they’ll need to keep building around rookie quarterback Drake Maye, but adding a defensive cornerstone like Crosby could take their already solid defense to another level.
The Patriots finished ninth in pass defense last season and were also tied for ninth in average time allowed per passing attempt (2.86 seconds), per Next Gen Stats. They’ve already got interior disruptors in Milton Williams and Christian Barmore - imagine pairing that interior pressure with Crosby screaming off the edge. That’s the kind of front that makes opposing quarterbacks think twice before holding onto the ball.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles made a push for Micah Parsons last offseason but ultimately landed Jaelan Phillips before the trade deadline. Phillips performed well - two sacks, nine hurries, 17 pressures - but he’s now a free agent, and Philly is once again in the market for an elite edge presence.
They’ve got assets to work with. The Eagles hold the 23rd overall pick and are projected to have three Day 2 selections (one in the second round and two in the third).
That’s plenty of ammunition to make a serious offer for Crosby. If they pull the trigger, it would be a major statement from a franchise that’s clearly still in win-now mode.
3. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys didn’t hide their interest in Crosby before last year’s trade deadline, and there’s no reason to think they won’t circle back. They’re well-stocked with draft capital - two first-round picks in 2026 and at least one in 2027 - which could entice the Raiders if they’re looking to reset.
The real hurdle? The salary cap.
Dallas is currently $29 million over the cap, according to Over The Cap. To make a deal work, they’d likely need to restructure major contracts - think Dak Prescott or CeeDee Lamb - and then rework Crosby’s deal as well.
It’s doable, but it would require some serious financial gymnastics.
Still, pairing Crosby with Micah Parsons would give Dallas arguably the most terrifying pass-rushing duo in the league. That’s the kind of move that could push them over the top in a crowded NFC.
4. Washington Commanders
Washington’s defense was a mess last season, giving up a league-worst 384.3 yards per game. And with Jayden Daniels limited to just seven games due to injury, the Commanders never really found their footing on either side of the ball.
They need help everywhere on defense, but especially up front. Crosby would give them a true alpha pass rusher - something they desperately need in a division featuring Dak Prescott, Jalen Hurts, and Jaxson Dart. The Commanders have the cap space to make it happen ($76 million), but the No. 7 overall pick might be too rich for their blood, and they don’t have a second-round pick this year.
Still, new GM Adam Peters is known for being aggressive. If he finds a creative way to structure a deal, Washington could suddenly become a very interesting landing spot.
5. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo swung and missed with Joey Bosa last season. He finished with just five sacks and is now headed for free agency. With Sean McDermott out and the team coming off a disappointing playoff exit against the Broncos, the Bills are clearly in a transitional phase.
But the window isn’t closed - not with Josh Allen still in his prime. What they need is a tone-setter on defense, someone who can take over a game and bring the kind of edge presence they’ve been lacking.
Crosby fits that mold perfectly. Pairing him with Greg Rousseau would give the Bills a young, high-motor duo that could wreak havoc in the AFC.
Final Thoughts
Maxx Crosby is the kind of player who doesn’t just fill a need - he redefines a defense. Whether it’s the Patriots looking to double down on a championship-caliber roster, or the Commanders trying to rebuild from the ground up, the potential suitors are lining up.
The big question now is whether the Raiders are truly ready to move on from their defensive cornerstone - and if so, who’s willing to pay the price to bring him in.
One thing’s for sure: if Crosby hits the trade block, it won’t take long for the NFL’s phone lines to light up.