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The Bengals trade hopes for Maxx Crosby took another turn
The Cincinnati Bengals have been trying to improve their defense all offseason. No move would take them over the top and serve as the perfect replacement for Trey Hendrickson’s departure, quite like trading for five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
While a blockbuster trade for the Bengals would break their traditional way of doing things,Albert Breer did report that the team called the Raiders to inquire about Crosby. However, the Raiders reportedly agreed to a trade with the Ravens, which Baltimore later backed out of before pivoting to sign former Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.
Trading for Crosby would not only represent the Bengals adding an elite player at a premium position, but it would negate the bitter feeling of seeing Hendrickson go to a division rival. However, a potential trade would come at a cost, as the previous price of two first-round picks that the Ravens agreed upon, is still the asking price for Crosby,according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
Maxx Crosby Deal Appears to Be Unlikely for Cincinnati Bengals
ESPN’s Adam Schefter spoke on the latest on the Maxx Crosby situation. He said, “If you’re Maxx Crosby and you’re the Raider you say you are, and he is, why do you want to leave that now when the Raiders are putting together some parts that make it more encouraging and give you more optimism than you had about that team in recent memory?”
Schefter posted on X, “Of all the scenarios out there for Maxx Crosby this season, the most likely one is him remaining, and playing, with the Las Vegas Raiders.”
Unfortunately, with Crosby no longer appearing to want out of Las Vegas, a trade seems increasingly unlikely. Schefter indicated that Crosby was the one who originally wanted to get traded, but after his deal with the Ravens fell through, that experience appears to have led him to no longer desire a trade.
Bengals Interest in Crosby
It’s not surprising the Bengals were interested in Crosby. He’s totaled four double-digit sack seasons. Aside from his pass rush skills, he’s among the best run defenders in the NFL as he has led the NFL in tackles for loss twice.
Additionally,Bengals head coach Zac Taylor is a fan of Crosby as he once said, “He’s one of the best players in the NFL. He can disrupt an entire game, and I’ve made this statement to others around here, outside the players in our locker room, he’s one of my favorite players in this league. How he goes about every single snap – run game, pass game. Leadership he’s showing on that team. He put them in position to be in the playoffs where they’re at right now. There’s a lot of players around this league you respect, he’s certainly top-notch.”
Pairing Crosby with new free agent signing Boye Mafe, who signed a three-year, $60 million contract with Cincinnati, could elevate the Bengals’ defense. Unfortunately, it appears Crosby is set on staying with the Raiders which has ended Las Vegas’ desire to trade him.