The Washington Commanders are entering a pivotal offseason-one that could shape the identity of their defense for years to come. With Daronte Jones stepping in as the new defensive coordinator, the front office has both the cap space and the motivation to get aggressive. And if general manager Adam Peters is serious about accelerating this rebuild, one name could change everything: Maxx Crosby.
Yes, that Maxx Crosby. The five-time Pro Bowler.
The relentless edge rusher who’s made a living terrorizing quarterbacks and anchoring the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense. But now, things in Vegas are getting complicated-and that’s putting it mildly.
Crosby’s situation with the Raiders took a turn toward uncertainty late last season. Despite his desire to stay on the field, the team shut him down near the end of the year.
That decision didn’t sit well with Crosby, and it’s sparked a wave of speculation about his future. Now, as Super Bowl week buzzes with rumors, insiders are starting to believe a trade could be on the horizon.
FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer has added fuel to the fire, suggesting that not only could Crosby be on the move, but that a deal might happen before the draft. And if it does?
It won’t come cheap. We’re talking about a player who’s still in his prime, still dominating, and still under contract.
Any team looking to land him will need to pony up a serious haul.
Naturally, Commanders fans are letting their imaginations run wild. And who can blame them?
Washington is laying the groundwork for a new era. Klint Kubiak is in as head coach.
The team is widely expected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft. The pieces are starting to fall into place, and a true defensive game-changer like Crosby could be the kind of move that accelerates the timeline.
Now, let’s talk logistics. Crosby’s contract is very tradable-manageable for a team with cap flexibility like Washington.
But Peters has to weigh the cost. He’s already made three trades since taking over, with mixed results.
The Laremy Tunsil deal? That was a home run.
Tunsil’s been a rock on the offensive line. Deebo Samuel Sr. was a low-risk, high-reward pickup who gave the offense a spark without costing much more than a Day 3 pick.
But then there’s Marshon Lattimore. That trade didn’t pan out, and it’s a reminder that swinging for the fences doesn’t always connect.
So, would Peters be willing to part with premium draft capital for Crosby? It’s a tough call. The Commanders have multiple holes to fill across the roster, and investing heavily in one player-no matter how dominant-could limit their flexibility elsewhere.
Still, Crosby isn’t just any player. He’s a tone-setter.
A guy who can flip a game with one play. Washington hasn’t had that kind of edge presence in a long time.
If Peters sees Crosby as the missing piece to unlock Jones’ defense, it might be worth the gamble.
Of course, the team’s trajectory also plays a role here. If the Commanders had maintained the momentum they showed early under Dan Quinn, this kind of blockbuster move might feel more realistic. But the project has hit some bumps, and the front office may lean toward a more measured approach.
That said, don’t expect fans to stop dreaming. Crosby in burgundy and gold?
It’s the kind of move that gets people talking-and for good reason. Whether or not it becomes reality, the mere possibility signals that Washington is thinking big.
And in a league where bold moves often separate contenders from pretenders, that mindset might be exactly what this franchise needs.