New England Patriots fans scanning the trade market for defensive reinforcements may have circled Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby as a potential target, but a fresh Bleacher Report analysis suggests the 28-year-old will not be moved.
In its breakdown of six NFL players who should get traded this offseason but won’t, the outlet notes Crosby’s hefty $35.5 million average annual salary and recent three-year extension. While he remains one of the Raiders’ top performers, the piece argues he has likely peaked since his standout 2022 and 2023 campaigns.
A trade could net Las Vegas nearly $31 million in cap relief and draft assets during its rebuild, yet owner Mark Davis and the new regime appear committed to keeping the face of the franchise in place.
Contenders such as the Patriots, Washington Commanders, Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens could use Crosby's pass-rush presence, but the combination of salary, loyalty and timing makes a deal improbable.
Crosby’s durability and production have made him a cornerstone in Las Vegas, and the Raiders’ stance signals they prefer building around him rather than parting ways despite the financial incentive.
For the Patriots, the report reiterates the need to explore other avenues for defensive line help. Still, a Crosby trade cannot be fully ruled out.
Across 15 games with the Raiders in 2025, Crosby recorded 73 combined tackles (45 solo), 10 sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception. He added 23.5 tackles for loss while logging heavy snap counts on a struggling 3-14 squad.
His relentless motor and ability to disrupt backfields remained elite, even as the team’s overall performance lagged. Crosby earned recognition for his consistency and leadership, posting numbers that would headline many defenses and reinforcing his reputation as one of the league’s most productive edge defenders entering his prime years.
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