The Washington Commanders are heading into a pivotal offseason, and one area that’s hard to ignore is the edge rusher position. After a 2025 campaign that saw them finish middle-of-the-pack in sacks, they're facing the potential loss of two key contributors-Von Miller and Jacob Martin-who are both set to hit free agency.
Together, Miller and Martin accounted for 14.5 of the team’s 42 sacks. That’s over a third of the team’s total pass-rushing production walking out the door unless re-signed.
Enter Maxx Crosby.
According to a recent prediction, the Commanders could look to make a major splash by sending two first-round picks and a fifth-rounder to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for the five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher. That’s a steep price, no doubt-but also the kind of move that signals a franchise ready to accelerate its rebuild under new head coach Dan Quinn.
And if there’s a coach who knows how to maximize elite pass-rushing talent, it’s Quinn. His defensive philosophy thrives on pressure, and Crosby would be the kind of cornerstone piece that could instantly elevate Washington’s front seven. Think about it: a top-tier edge rusher with relentless motor and proven production-double-digit sacks in four of his seven seasons-plugged into a system designed to unleash chaos off the edge.
Now, this is all hypothetical for now. The Raiders have historically been reluctant to entertain the idea of moving Crosby, and for good reason.
He’s been the heart and soul of their defense, a player who brings not just numbers, but leadership and tenacity. But 2026 might be different.
Crosby wasn’t thrilled when the Raiders shut him down early last season due to a knee injury-an injury he reportedly wanted to play through. That decision, coupled with yet another disappointing season in Vegas, has reportedly left Crosby frustrated. The Raiders are once again in a rebuild, and while Crosby has remained loyal, there’s a sense that both sides might be approaching a crossroads.
If the Raiders were to move him, the proposed return-two first-rounders, including a top-10 pick-could be too tempting to pass up. It would give Las Vegas a rare chance to reset with premium draft capital. One pick could be used on a quarterback, depending on who declares, while the other could help shore up a roster that still has major holes on both sides of the ball.
As for Washington, acquiring Crosby would be a bold move-a statement that they’re not interested in a slow rebuild. With Quinn at the helm and Crosby anchoring the defense, the Commanders would suddenly have a defensive identity to build around. That kind of presence off the edge changes everything: it helps the secondary, it opens up opportunities for other pass rushers, and it gives the team a true tone-setter on Sundays.
Of course, nothing is official, and there’s no guarantee the Raiders will even make Crosby available. But if the door is even slightly open, expect the Commanders-and a number of other teams-to be ready with offers.
Because players like Maxx Crosby don’t hit the trade market often. And when they do, it’s the kind of opportunity that can reshape a franchise’s future.