Maxx Crosby Trade Buzz Heats Up: Three Teams That Make Perfect Sense in a Blockbuster Deal
Maxx Crosby isn’t just one of the best edge rushers in the league-he’s the kind of player who changes the identity of a defense the moment he steps on the field. And now, with the 2026 offseason underway, his future with the Las Vegas Raiders is looking increasingly uncertain.
Despite a new head coach coming in, the relationship between Crosby and the organization appears fractured-perhaps beyond repair. The tipping point?
The Raiders reportedly forced Crosby to sit out the final stretch of the season, a move that didn’t sit well with a guy known for his relentless motor and ironman mentality. For a player who prides himself on never missing a snap, let alone entire games, that decision cut deep.
It’s not just about playing time-it’s about trust, and that trust seems to have eroded.
Then came the bombshell. During Super Bowl week, Jay Glazer dropped a major nugget: Crosby might be done in Vegas.
According to Glazer, the star pass rusher has no interest in sticking around for another rebuild. That opens the door to a potential blockbuster trade-and the line of interested teams would stretch around the block.
Let’s take a look at three teams that make a whole lot of sense as potential landing spots if Crosby is indeed on the move.
1. New England Patriots: A Defense in Desperate Need of a Spark
If there’s a team that should be sprinting to the front of the line for a player like Maxx Crosby, it’s the New England Patriots. The pass rush in Foxborough was, to put it bluntly, nearly nonexistent last season. The Patriots posted the worst sack differential in the NFL-a stat that tells you everything you need to know about their struggles getting after the quarterback and protecting their own.
Yes, Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson showed flashes, and Chaisson in particular has boosted his stock with a strong playoff showing. But those guys aren’t Maxx Crosby. He’s a game-wrecker, a tone-setter, and exactly the kind of player who could elevate the Patriots' defense from average to elite.
The timing couldn’t be better, either. With a quarterback still on a rookie contract, New England has the financial flexibility to make a bold move. And if they want to climb back into AFC contention, adding a defensive cornerstone like Crosby could be the fastest way to do it-even if the price tag is steep.
2. Philadelphia Eagles: A Perfect Fit for Vic Fangio’s Front
When it comes to splashy trades, nobody plays the game quite like Eagles GM Howie Roseman. If there’s a star player on the market, you can bet Roseman is at least making the call-and Maxx Crosby would be a dream addition to a Philly defense that’s always looking to reload.
The Eagles are never content with "good enough" on the defensive line. They’ve built their identity in the trenches, and Crosby would fit right into that philosophy. With Vic Fangio now coordinating the defense, adding a pass rusher of Crosby’s caliber would give him a true weapon off the edge.
Now imagine this: Crosby lining up opposite Jalen Carter. That’s a nightmare scenario for opposing offensive lines.
The Eagles already have the pieces to contend, but after a disappointing end to their season, you can bet they’re looking for a move that reignites their championship push. This one checks all the boxes.
3. Chicago Bears: History Repeating Itself?
The Bears are entering a pivotal offseason. With momentum building and a roster that’s starting to come together, Chicago looks ready to make a serious push in the NFC. But if there’s one area that still needs a jolt, it’s the edge rush.
Montez Sweat has been a strong addition, no question. But pairing him with a player like Maxx Crosby?
That’s the kind of move that could turn Chicago’s defense into a dominant force. The Bears led the league in takeaways last season, but they were vulnerable up front.
Crosby would help fix that in a big way.
There’s also a bit of symmetry here. It wasn’t too long ago that the Bears pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Raiders to land Khalil Mack.
That deal helped define an era in Chicago. Could they go back to the well and do it again with Crosby?
It’s certainly on the table-and this time, the Bears might be even better positioned to capitalize.
Final Thoughts
Maxx Crosby is the kind of player who doesn’t just rack up sacks-he sets a tone, brings energy, and forces offenses to change their game plan. If the Raiders do decide to move him, the market will be fierce. But the Patriots, Eagles, and Bears all offer compelling fits, both schematically and strategically.
Wherever he lands, one thing’s for sure: Crosby’s going to make an immediate impact. And if he ends up on a contender, we could be talking about a move that shifts the balance of power in the NFL.