Maxx Crosby Trade Buzz: Where Will Raiders Star Land?

Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors: A Deep Dive into Potential Destinations

The NFL offseason is always a landscape of shifting loyalties and unexpected moves, and this year, the name circulating most prominently is Maxx Crosby. Following a challenging 3-14 season for the Las Vegas Raiders, speculation is mounting that their star pass rusher could be on the move. With a new head coach in Klint Kubiak at the helm and Crosby recovering from knee surgery, the winds of change are blowing through Raider Nation. This has led to an intense debate among NFL analysts about where the five-time Pro Bowler might land if a trade does materialize.

The Raiders' Dilemma: Rebuild or Retain?

The Raiders are embarking on another rebuild, a familiar cycle for the franchise. Maxx Crosby, at 28 years old and still performing at an elite level with 69.5 sacks in seven seasons, represents a cornerstone player. However, his significant contract offers the Raiders substantial cap savings – over $30 million, according to Over The Cap – if they decide to move him. The timing of any potential trade is also a factor, with Crosby undergoing meniscus repair in January. While recovery from such a procedure typically takes months, teams are often hesitant to acquire players in the midst of rehabilitation. This suggests that if a trade occurs, it's more likely to happen later in the offseason.

Analyst Picks: Where Does Crosby Fit Best?

NFL.com analysts have weighed in with their predictions for Crosby's next potential home, offering a diverse range of compelling scenarios:

Detroit Lions: A Championship-Caliber Fit

Marc Ross of NFL.com identifies the Detroit Lions as the prime landing spot. He argues that the Lions, despite their recent success, missed the playoffs in 2025 and need to bolster their defense, which ranked 18th in total yards and 22nd in points allowed. Crosby would form a formidable pass-rushing duo with Aidan Hutchinson, creating one of the league's most feared defensive fronts. Furthermore, Crosby's tenacious, high-motor play style aligns perfectly with Dan Campbell's "GRIT" mentality. As an Eastern Michigan product, a return to the Detroit area would also be a significant homecoming, likely electrifying the fan base.

Dallas Cowboys: A Defensive Reinforcement and Homecoming

Michael Baca highlights the Dallas Cowboys as an intriguing option. With two first-round draft picks and the potential flexibility to absorb salary, Dallas could make a significant move to address defensive shortcomings. Baca suggests a trade for Crosby could help mend fences after the potential departure of Micah Parsons and provide a game-changing presence for a defense that faltered in 2025. For Crosby, joining an offense as potent as Dallas's could elevate his individual statistics, and playing in the DFW area, where he played high school football, would make it a personal homecoming.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: An Off-Grid Contender

Eric Edholm ventures off the beaten path to suggest the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He points to the Buccaneers' pass rush evaporating in the latter half of the 2025 season, managing only 12 sacks in their final nine games. Edholm believes Crosby would be a crucial addition to complement existing talents like Vita Vea and Yaya Diaby, especially if veteran linebacker Lavonte David retires. A potential trade package, possibly starting with the 15th overall pick, could entice Raiders GM John Spytek, given the existing relationship with Buccaneers GM Jason Licht.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Elevating a Rising Team

Maurice Jones-Drew sees the Jacksonville Jaguars as a strong contender. After a significant turnaround in 2025, winning the division after a dismal 2024 season, the Jaguars' pass rush needs reinforcement to sustain their upward trajectory. With a 21st-ranked pass defense and 27th in sacks, Crosby would provide the much-needed boost. He would join a team that has shown promising growth and is looking to take the next step in a competitive AFC landscape.

The Case for Staying in Las Vegas

Not all analysts believe a trade is inevitable. David Carr, a former NFL quarterback, strongly advocates for the Raiders to do everything in their power to keep Maxx Crosby. He emphasizes Crosby's status as a foundational player and a leader who embodies the team's spirit. Carr believes that retaining Crosby is crucial for the team's identity and future success. However, he acknowledges the Raiders' propensity for rebuilding and the financial implications of keeping their star defender. If a trade is unavoidable, Carr echoes the sentiment of other analysts by suggesting contenders with strong existing fronts, such as Detroit, Green Bay, or Pittsburgh, as ideal environments where Crosby could make an immediate impact without being solely responsible for the pass rush.

Factors Influencing a Potential Trade

Several key elements will dictate whether Maxx Crosby is traded and where he might go. His recovery timeline from knee surgery is paramount. The financial implications for both the acquiring team and the Raiders are significant, with salary cap space and draft capital being primary considerations. The Raiders' willingness to move on from a franchise icon, especially during a rebuild, will be a major determinant. Ultimately, the goal for any acquiring team will be to find a player who can immediately elevate their defense and contribute to a winning culture, while for the Raiders, it will be about maximizing assets in their ongoing pursuit of long-term stability.

As the offseason progresses, the Maxx Crosby situation will undoubtedly remain one of the most closely watched storylines in the NFL. Whether he remains in silver and black or embarks on a new chapter, his impact on any team will be profound.