The New England Patriots, Washington Commanders, and Chicago Bears are all on the hunt for an edge rusher this offseason, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Each team has its reasons: the Bears are looking for a dynamic partner for Montez Sweat, the Patriots may need to fill a potential void left by K'Lavon Chaisson's free agency, and the Commanders are in the market for more firepower on the edge, even if they manage to re-sign Von Miller.
Enter Maxx Crosby, the Las Vegas Raiders' five-time Pro Bowler and edge-rushing dynamo. According to ESPN's Ben Solak, Crosby is a hot commodity, and these three teams are prime contenders for his talents.
Why the buzz around Crosby? Simply put, he's a game-changer.
As one of the league's premier three-down defensive linemen, Crosby is a relentless force on the field. His ability to disrupt the running game and overpower top-tier offensive tackles in pass-rush scenarios makes him invaluable.
At 29, with two years of guaranteed money left on his contract, Crosby is poised to be the cornerstone of any defense aiming for greatness. His 10 sacks last season underscore his impact.
There's a 60% chance Crosby could be on the move, with the Bears, Patriots, and Commanders leading the charge. However, the big question remains: Will the Raiders actually let him go?
Raiders GM John Spytek has been vocal about his desire to retain Crosby. "Maxx is an elite player," Spytek emphasized, underscoring the team's commitment to keeping top talent. Yet, if Crosby seeks a change after years of challenges in Las Vegas, the Raiders might accommodate his wishes, ideally sending him to a Super Bowl contender.
The Patriots seem to be the frontrunners, not just because of their championship aspirations, but also due to Crosby's reported interest in playing for head coach Mike Vrabel. New England's financial flexibility and draft assets make them a strong candidate for landing Crosby.
The Commanders, with ample cap space, face a tougher road given their limited draft picks. Acquiring Crosby would likely cost at least one first-rounder, if not two.
The Bears, meanwhile, face the most significant financial hurdles and possess only one more draft pick than Washington. Despite these challenges, Crosby's talent is worth the gamble, and neither the Bears nor the Commanders are likely to shy away from pursuing him.
If we had to rank the likelihood of these teams securing Crosby, it would be the Patriots leading the pack, followed by the Commanders and then the Bears. Each team has its unique challenges and opportunities, but one thing is clear: Maxx Crosby is the kind of player who could redefine a defense's identity.