The Tampa Bay Buccaneers find themselves in a familiar offseason scenario: the hunt for an elite pass rusher. Enter Maxx Crosby, the standout from the Las Vegas Raiders, who has become the dream acquisition for Tampa Bay. However, the Raiders' General Manager isn't ready to let the Minnesota Golden Gopher alum slip away without a fight.
As the NFL Scouting Combine unfolds in Indianapolis, the buzz isn't just about top draft prospects showcasing their skills. It's also a prime time for executives to mull over potential trades and free agent moves. And in this arena, Crosby emerges as a prime trade chip, arguably more enticing than any quarterback on the market.
Despite whispers of age and injuries creeping in, Crosby remains a top-tier pass rusher in the league. He's expressed his desire to leave the Raiders, but the team is holding onto hope that he'll stay, suggesting this isn't just a leverage tactic anymore.
Raiders GM John Spytek, speaking at the Combine, expressed confidence that Crosby will remain with the team for the 2026 season, defying widespread speculation. This stance doesn't necessarily spell doom for the Buccaneers and other contenders in need of a pass-rushing boost-like their rivals, the Carolina Panthers-but it does indicate that the Raiders are not easily parting with Crosby. With Tom Brady now steering the Raiders as owner, the price to lure Crosby away might be steep.
At 28, Crosby's resume is impressive: five consecutive Pro Bowl appearances and a standout season with 10 sacks and 28 tackles for loss. His performance cements his status as one of the best pass rushers in Raiders history, and he's still very much in his prime.
For the Buccaneers, Crosby is the ideal target. Yet, the Raiders' insistence on retaining him, whether as a genuine intention or a strategic smokescreen, suggests that acquiring him could demand more than Bucs GM Jason Licht is willing to offer in trade capital.