Following a successful offseason for the Los Angeles Rams, the team could reportedly make a strong push for veteran Maxx Crosby if the Las Vegas Raiders decide to have a losing year during the 2026 campaign. According to a source, the Raiders could make Crosby available for a trade if they have another losing season, despite selecting QB Fernando Mendoza and signing Kirk Cousins to a deal. The stakes are high for the Raiders this offseason, but it won’t mean a legitimate postseason run. If that’s the case, there shouldn’t be any reason for the Raiders to hold on to Crosby anymore.
The team attempted to trade the veteran, but he failed a physical that would’ve made him a member of the Baltimore Ravens. While the Raiders have mended the relationship with Maxx Crosby, nobody should rule out a midseason trade. The stance could change, especially if frustrations continue to grow even though the Raiders made upgrades to the roster.
Maxx Crosby
Main Photo: Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK
Raiders, Rams Linked in Maxx Crosby Blockbuster Trade
What this Means for Los Angeles
Meanwhile, it’s easy to see why Nate Atkins of The Athletic said a trade involving the pass-rusher to the Rams is possible. The team traded for Trent McDuffie while signing Jaylen Watson to overhaul its secondary unit. The Rams haven’t had a superstar pass-rusher since Aaron Donald, and that was when the team won a Super Bowl. Adding Maxx Crosby to Los Angeles would probably indeed get them to win another championship under Matthew Stafford’s leadership.
After reaching the NFC Championship Game this year, the Rams are just about an inch away from the Lombardi trophy. The Rams won’t be the only team pursuing Crosby if he becomes available. Here are three other possible suitors during the 2026 season.
Potential Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys were also frontrunners for Maxx Crosby during the offseason. The team didn’t have the offer that the Raiders wanted, as the Ravens were the highest bidders. Dallas may have moved on, but Jerry Jones isn’t completely closing the door on a trade for him overall. The future is bright for this defense either way, drafting Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence to bolster the unit.
Dallas traded for Rashan Gary instead of getting Crosby. They also acquired LB Dee Winters for depth, but if the team struggles again, they could turn to the superstar pass-rusher.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, it’s been quite the run for the Panthers this offseason. They’ve signed edge rushers Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips to completely overhaul the defensive unit. However, nobody should put it past this team to make a swing for Maxx Crosby. The Panthers are a better team than they were two years ago.
QB Bryce Young is in a “prove it” type of year this season, and trading for Crosby could help strengthen his odds of being the long-term quarterback on offense. It won’t directly benefit him on the field, but if Crosby can get a few sacks or fumbles, the Panthers would be in great field position. Young is no Cam Newton, but he led the Panthers to the Super Bowl thanks to their powerful defense. Young could replicate that in some capacity if the Panthers hold on to him.
Los Angeles Chargers
If the Rams won’t get Crosby, the pass-rusher could be heading to Los Angeles either way. The Chargers haven’t had a true superstar since they had a prime Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa as a pair. Mack is still with the team, but he isn’t in his MVP form anymore. The team has plenty of pass-rushers like Denzel Perryman and Daiyan Henley, but not one at the level of Maxx Crosby. Crosby can take this team to at least appear in a divisional round of the postseason.