Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors: Raiders Eye Rebuild as 49ers and Lions Become Top Contenders
As the 2026 NFL offseason unfolds, the Las Vegas Raiders consider moving star edge rusher Maxx Crosby. Could the 49ers or Lions be his next stop?
The Shift in Las Vegas: Maxx Crosby's Future in Question
As the dust settles on another disappointing season for the Las Vegas Raiders, discussions surrounding star edge rusher Maxx Crosby are heating up. With the Raiders finishing the 2025 season at a dismal 3-14, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, the organization faces an urgent need for a strategic overhaul. Grabbed in the spotlight of this offseason, Crosby, who holds a staggering $107 million contract, stands at the center of trade rumors that could shake up the NFL landscape.
The Raiders' recent trajectory signals a clear intention to rebuild rather than push for immediate success. With the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, Las Vegas has the opportunity to redefine its roster and shed significant salary cap burdens, namely the $30.7 million cap hit Crosby is set to incur in 2026. The potential of trading Crosby could liberate funds essential for a franchise in transition.
Potential Trade Scenarios: 49ers and Lions in Play
Scenario A: Raiders and 49ersThe San Francisco 49ers are emerging as a compelling landing spot for Crosby. After finishing the 2025 season with a record of 12-5 and a successful playoff run, the 49ers are in a win-now mode. The prospect of enhancing an already formidable defensive front, which includes stars like Nick Bosa and Javon Hargrave, becomes a tantalizing prospect.
- Trade Package: - Raiders receive: - 2026 first-round pick (mid-round) - 2027 second-round pick - Conditional late-round pick tied to performance or Super Bowl appearance - 49ers receive: - Maxx Crosby (ED, 28) - Contract through 2029
This trade would not only solidify the 49ers' defensive rank but could also make Crosby an instrumental piece in their championship aspirations.
Scenario B: Raiders and LionsThe Detroit Lions, who ended the 2025 season with a solid 9-8 record, are also in pursuit of Crosby’s talents. By adding Crosby to their lineup, the Lions would complement Aidan Hutchinson, an emerging star recovering from injury, creating a dynamic pass-rushing duo that could significantly bolster their efforts to bounce back from a second consecutive playoff miss.
- Trade Package: - Raiders receive: - 2026 first-round pick (mid-round) - 2027 second-round pick - A young starter-level defender - Lions receive: - Maxx Crosby - Contract through 2029
While the Lions narrowly missed the playoffs last season, this trade could enhance their defensive metrics, which ranked towards the bottom third in sacks and pressure rate.
Organizational Impact: What Each Team Stands to Gain
Raiders’ PerspectiveParting ways with Crosby represents more than just a salary dump; it facilitates a substantial rebuild geared toward long-term viability. Key advantages include:- Cap Flexibility: Offloading Crosby's contract creates vital room in the salary cap, allowing the franchise to pursue other free-agent acquisitions.- Draft Capital: The first-round picks would provide the necessary ammunition to build a new team core, fitting their vision for the future.
49ers’ PerspectiveBy acquiring Crosby, the 49ers could:- Enhance Their Defense: With Crosby recording 10 sacks and 73 tackles in 2025, he could be the missing piece to challenge rivals and drive them further in pursuit of a championship.- Financial Commitment Risks: Balancing immediate success with long-term salary impacts poses a potential challenge.
Lions’ PerspectiveAdding Maxx Crosby would mean:- Instant Upgrade: His addition would strengthen the pass rush, greatly improving playoff prospects.- Contract Considerations: A move carries risks of tighter cap space but could pay off with deeper playoff runs if right wins come.
The Bottom LineThe rumors surrounding Maxx Crosby signal a pivotal shift in the Raiders’ approach as they embrace a rebuild. Whether it's the 49ers looking to enhance their championship window or the Lions striving to reclaim playoff success, his trade could have monumental implications for multiple franchises in the league. As negotiations heat up, the landscape of the upcoming NFL season could be reshaped significantly based on the decisions made surrounding one of the league's premier edge rushers.