Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors Persist Amid Las Vegas Raiders Losing Streak
Despite previous offseason trade discussions, analysts and experts debate whether the struggling Las Vegas Raiders should deal their star pass rusher before the upcoming NFL trade deadline.
The Las Vegas Raiders find themselves at a critical juncture following a four-game losing streak that has dropped their record to 3-4 on the season. After opening the year with three consecutive victories, the team's momentum has unraveled, culminating in a 35-21 defeat against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium. This sudden downturn has reignited intense speculation regarding the future of star defensive end Maxx Crosby, with analysts openly discussing whether the franchise should pivot toward a full rebuild.
Trade speculation surrounding Crosby is not entirely new. Earlier in the offseason, the Raiders had agreed to trade the standout edge rusher to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for two first-round draft picks. However, the deal collapsed at the last moment when the Ravens withdrew due to medical concerns flagged during his physical. Crosby had previously played through a meniscus injury before undergoing knee surgery, and his individual statistics this season reflect a slower start, totaling 18 combined tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble through seven games.
Despite his modest statistical output compared to previous seasons—where he recorded 10 sacks in 15 games last year and reached double digits four times in his career—Crosby remains a vital cornerstone of the Raiders defense. ESPN analyst Adam Schefter noted that trading the face of the franchise remains a difficult proposition for the organization, particularly given what they might receive in return now. "I just don't think they're getting that back now. He's an unbelievable player, but I don't think they're getting two ones," Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show, suggesting that holding onto the player might make the most sense if the team can right the ship.
Conversely, CBS Sports analyst Pete Prisco argued that Las Vegas should seriously evaluate parting ways with the 29-year-old pass rusher before the November 10 trade deadline. Prisco pointed out that acquiring a haul of draft assets could better align with a long-term rebuilding strategy centered around younger foundational pieces. "The trade deadline's coming up. Maxx Crosby is a wanted commodity. And they traded Maxx Crosby once; let's not forget that... So when the trade deadline comes, I think they should be sitting there and saying, 'You know what, we can get a bunch of assets for a guy that's probably not going to be around here when we become something with our young quarterback,'" Prisco stated.
For any potential suitor, acquiring a defender of Crosby's caliber would offer an immediate boost for a playoff push. Several teams, including the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears, have been linked to the edge defender as organizations looking to bolster their defensive firepower for a championship run. Teams such as the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Francisco 49ers have also been mentioned in past discussions regarding the star defender.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Raiders face a delicate balancing act between maintaining the competitive heart of their roster and accumulating assets for the future. Whether an interested franchise will meet Las Vegas's asking price remains to be seen, but the ongoing discussions underscore Crosby's enduring value as one of the premier defensive talents in the league.