John Spytek, Las Vegas Raiders
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(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
On March 6,ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported, citing sources, that the Las Vegas Raiders traded Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens for first-round picks in 2026 and 2027.
Moreover, the report mentions that the trade is contingent on Crosby passing a physical, which can’t happen until the beginning of the new league year on March 11.With the Silver and Black selling off their biggest asset, the Raiders need to make over their defense in the post-Maxx Crosby era.
On the March 6 edition of the “Just Win Podcast,” The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen floated two defenders the team should consider pursuing in free agency as Las Vegas has roughly $121.7 million in salary cap space this offseason,per Over the Cap.
“Getting into free agency, if you’re trying to sign these older players, you’re not rebuilding,” Nguyen said. “You’re trying to find quick fixes. And yeah, you do need some veteran leadership because you need some guys to help rebuild the culture. But your big-money contracts, you’re not spending that on guys that are older.
“So I think getting into free agency, which starts next week, I would like to see two big money defensive free agents who are younger than 27 or 28 years old. I think Jaelan Phillips fits that bill, and Devin Lloyd fits that bill. Both guys are from states that have no income tax, and the Raiders won’t have income tax in LV.”
What Would Raiders Get in Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd
Phillips began the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins, appearing in nine games and recording 25 tackles and three sacks before being traded ahead of the NFL trade deadline. The Philadelphia Eagles acquired Phillips in exchange for a 2026 third-round draft pick.
After joining the Eagles, Phillips appeared in eight games and added 28 tackles and two sacks. Across the 2025 season with both the Dolphins and Eagles, Phillips finished with 53 total tackles and five sacks.
Meanwhile, Devin Lloyd started 15 games for the Jacksonville Jaguars and totaled 81 tackles. Lloyd added 1.5 sacks while also recording five interceptions, seven passes defended, and one fumble recovery.
It will be interesting to see whether the Raiders want to target these two players to improve their defense as they look to replace Crosby’s production and leadership next season.
Maxx Crosby Trade Made Sense for Both Parties
Questions about Crosby’s future surfaced late in the season when the Raiders shut the star pass rusher down for the final two games because of a knee injury suffered in October. The move did not sit well with Crosby, who was frustrated by the decision.
Afterward, the hiring of Klint Kubiak as the new head coach suggested the Raiders could be heading toward a true rebuild. The roster includes a few intriguing young pieces, such as running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers, and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza could be on the way with the No. 1 pick.
However, even with that talent, plenty of work remains before the Raiders canbe viewed as legitimate playoff contenders. That timeline may not align with Crosby, who is eager to be part of meaningful games in January and February.