NFL trade season chatter has spotlighted Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby as one of the league’s most intriguing available players. ESPN’s latest projections peg his chances of being moved at around 60 percent, underscoring how valuable his skill set could be to contenders.
Crosby has been a disruptive force along the edge, consistently making life difficult for quarterbacks and helping anchor a front that has taxed opposing offensive lines. His combination of power, technique and relentless pursuit has made him one of the game’s premier pass rushers, the type of player teams covet when pushing deep into the postseason.
Las Vegas Raiders, Maxx Crosby, ESPN, NFL
Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) looks on during a timeout during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Interest in Crosby is expected to be widespread if the Raiders elect to explore trade options, with multiple franchises likely to see him as an immediate upgrade. A proven defensive playmaker of his caliber rarely hits the market, especially one still in his prime and capable of changing a defense’s identity.
Despite that buzz, the trade narrative around Crosby has quieted somewhat in recent weeks as the offseason progresses. Teams and front offices typically vary in their aggressiveness when it comes to dealing premium draft assets or cap space for elite defenders, and Crosby’s value figures to be weighed carefully against contract considerations.
ESPN Predicts Las Vegas Raiders Trading Maxx Crosby
Las Vegas Raiders, Maxx Crosby
Oct 22, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
Las Vegas may part ways with Crosby before the new season starts. This is detailed more in an analysis by Ben Solak for ESPN.
The buzz: Last season ended badly for Crosby and the Raiders, as the team put him oninjured reserve with two games left even though he felt healthy enough to play. There has been a ton of chatter around this situation though no public proclamations from Crosby about wanting out. And general manager John Spyteksaid at the combine Tuesday he expects Crosby to play for Las Vegas next season. Unless Crosby forces the issue and tells the Raiders he doesn’t want to play for them anymore, it’s hard to see the team moving him. But if that does happen, there would be a ton of interest.
Predicted chance of getting traded: 60%
The Raiders are in the unenviable position of balancing competitive aspirations with cap flexibility, and that may drive discussions around their veteran pass rusher. Whether they ultimately conclude that keeping Crosby bolsters their own Super Bowl hopes or decide to maximize return remains to be seen.
As the league calendar moves toward free agency and the draft, Crosby’s status will remain one of the most watched storylines. Should a trade materialize, it would rank among the most impactful deals of the 2026 offseason and reshape defensive outlooks for both his former and future teams.
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