What a Maxx Crosby trade would cost, and who should pay it
It may be the NFL offseason now, but the chatter and rumors are still abundant, and one name stands out amongst all the others.
As the NFL has officially turned the page to the offseason, one name continues to circulate more than almost any other in trade speculation: Maxx Crosby.
The Las Vegas Raiders may not want to move their defensive cornerstone, but circumstances, timing, and roster direction are creating real tension around Crosby’s future. And if he becomes available, he would definitely becomes the most valuable non-quarterback trade chip of the 2026 offseason.
Maxx Crosby trade rumors heating up
Crosby turns 29 before the start of the 2026 season, still in his prime, and remains one of the most complete defensive players in football. He’s an elite pass rusher, and widely regarded as one of the NFL’s best run defenders at any position, a trait that dramatically increases his value to contenders.
Just as important, Crosby is under contract for four more seasons, with cap hits that are manageable for teams operating in a win-now window. His elite production, durability, leadership, and cost certainty is an extremely rare combination on the trade market.
The issue for the Raiders is timing. Las Vegas seems to be heading toward a reset, and elite edge rushers are luxury pieces for teams that aren’t ready to contend. That puts the front office in a difficult position. They have to decide whether to keep a franchise icon during a rebuild, or cash in while his value may never be higher.
Trading Crosby would be a massive move that signals full commitment to long-term roster building rather than short-term competitiveness. But it could also accelerate a rebuild in ways few other trades could. A Crosby deal would likely command multiple premium draft picks, at least one Day 1 or Day 2 selection, and possibly a young, cost-controlled starter.
Even teams reluctant to part with first-round picks might reconsider for a player like Crosby, who would instantly transform a defense and doesn’t require a market-resetting contract. That’s what makes Crosby different from typical trade candidates. He’s a foundational piece.
If the Raiders seriously entertain offers, the league’s contenders, and near-contenders, would be on high alert. Teams with strong quarterbacks on rookie or team-friendly deals are the most logical suitors. A player like Crosby can turn a playoff team into a legitimate Super Bowl threat overnight, especially for franchises that already have offensive stability but lack a dominant edge presence. If Crosby becomes available, the entire NFL will be paying attention.
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