If Maxx Crosby’s days in Las Vegas are truly numbered, the ripple effect across the league could be massive - especially for teams looking to level up their pass rush in a hurry.
According to multiple reports, including insight from FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer, the All-Pro edge rusher has reached a breaking point with the Raiders. Frustration’s been simmering for a while, but things reportedly boiled over late in the 2025 season when the team shut Crosby down for the final two games due to a knee injury - a move he clearly didn’t agree with.
Glazer described a heated reaction from Crosby, who left the facility and expressed a desire to be traded. That kind of response doesn’t come from just one decision; it’s the culmination of a disconnect between player and franchise that’s been growing for some time.
Now, with the offseason heating up and the draft looming, it looks like Crosby could be wearing a different uniform in 2026. And there’s no shortage of interest.
The Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks have all been floated as potential trade destinations - and each one makes plenty of sense.
Let’s start with Chicago. The Bears made strides in 2025, but outside of Montez Sweat, the pass rush left a lot to be desired.
Pairing Crosby with Sweat would give Chicago one of the most fearsome edge duos in the league - a relentless, high-motor tandem that could wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. For a team that’s building something promising on both sides of the ball, adding a game-changer like Crosby could be the move that pushes them into serious playoff contention.
Then there’s New England. Yes, the Patriots are prepping for a Super Bowl appearance, but even elite teams look for ways to get better.
Despite a strong defense overall, New England didn’t have a single player notch double-digit sacks in 2025. That’s where Crosby fits in perfectly - a tone-setter with elite production and the kind of motor that defines championship defenses.
He doesn’t just get sacks; he changes games.
Seattle’s in a similar boat. The Seahawks are also in the big game this weekend, but their pass rush didn’t quite match the rest of their stacked roster.
Adding Crosby would give them the kind of edge presence that takes pressure off the secondary and forces offenses to account for him on every snap. He’s the kind of player who can tilt the field - and in the NFC, where quarterback play is on the rise, having a guy like Crosby coming off the edge is more important than ever.
What makes this situation so intriguing is that Crosby isn’t just another talented pass rusher - he’s one of the best in the league. He’s a culture guy, a locker room leader, and someone who plays with the kind of edge (no pun intended) that teams crave.
But he also wants to win. And right now, the Raiders haven’t shown they’re close to being a consistent contender.
If the relationship between Crosby and the Raiders can’t be salvaged - and based on current reports, that’s looking more and more likely - then a trade before the draft makes the most sense for both sides. The Raiders can recoup valuable assets, and Crosby gets a fresh start with a team ready to win now.
Whether it’s Chicago, New England, Seattle, or a surprise suitor, one thing’s clear: Maxx Crosby on the move would be one of the biggest storylines of the offseason. And wherever he lands, that defense instantly gets better.