If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to make a splash on defense, Maxx Crosby would certainly turn heads. The 28-year-old edge rusher has been one of the most consistent disruptors in the league over the past five seasons.
But as trade speculation starts to swirl, the question isn’t about Crosby’s talent-it’s about the cost. And based on recent projections, that cost might be too steep for Tampa Bay to justify.
Let’s start with a bit of context. When Micah Parsons was traded last offseason, the price tag was massive: two first-round picks and veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
That wasn’t just a blockbuster-it was a statement. Clark, despite being in his 30s, was far from a throw-in.
He’s been a rock on the interior for years, missing only one game in the last five seasons and earning three Pro Bowl nods along the way. That trade set a precedent for what elite edge talent commands on the market.
Now, Crosby isn’t Parsons. Let’s be clear about that.
Parsons has been a Pro Bowler every year of his career, a four-time All-Pro, and has never dipped below 12 sacks in a season. He’s in a tier of his own-arguably the gold standard at the position.
But Crosby isn’t far behind. He’s made five straight Pro Bowls and has been the heart of the Raiders’ pass rush since he entered the league.
He’s relentless, durable, and productive. Just not quite on Parsons’ level.
That distinction matters when you start talking about trade value. According to projections, multiple teams-including the Bucs-would have to cough up a first and second-round pick in both the 2026 and 2027 drafts to even get in the conversation.
That’s the baseline in several hypothetical deals. For a team like Tampa Bay, which is trying to build a sustainable contender, that’s a major gamble.
One proposed deal stands out for its sheer audacity: the Bills giving up two first-rounders and wide receiver Keon Coleman for Crosby. Coleman, a former first-round pick himself, hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations in Buffalo and has fallen out of favor with the organization. Still, that’s a hefty price tag for a player who, while elite, is nearing 30 and already locked into a long-term deal.
And that contract? It’s no small detail.
Crosby is under contract with the Raiders through 2029, with an average annual salary of $35 million over the final three years. That takes him through his age-32 season.
It’s a lucrative deal-one that speaks to how much the Raiders value him, but also one that limits flexibility for any team looking to acquire him. You’re not just trading picks-you’re taking on a massive financial commitment.
For the Bucs, it comes down to this: is Crosby the missing piece that elevates them to contender status? Or is he a luxury that comes at the expense of future building blocks? With that kind of draft capital on the table, Tampa Bay would be betting big-maybe too big-on a player whose best seasons might already be in the rearview mirror by the time the team is ready to truly compete.
There’s no denying Crosby’s talent. He’s one of the most respected edge rushers in the game, and his motor never stops.
But when you factor in age, contract, and cost, it’s a tough sell for a franchise that still has work to do in multiple areas. The draft might not offer a sure thing, but it offers hope-and flexibility.
And in today’s NFL, that might be the smarter play.