Raiders Need to Focus on Trading Maxx Crosby Again

During the offseason the Raiders had a clear goal: build for the future. That motivation led the Raiders to agree to trade Maxx Crosby, the face of the franchise. Even though that deal fell through, Las Vegas needs to restart conversations about moving their best defensive player. 

Las Vegas fooled everyone by winning three straight games to start the season. But now the Raiders have lost four straight games, and the Dolphins, Chargers and Saints – the three teams Las Vegas beat – are clearly among the worst in the NFL. 

It is clear this team isn’t a real contender. Maximizing the future should be the objective once again. And Crosby is the best trade asset on the roster. 

The Ravens initially agreed to send the Raiders two first-round picks for Crosby. Baltimore backed out of the trade before it was official, citing a failed physical. The Raiders decided to shut down trade talks after Baltimore’s rejection. 

That was a foolish decision, but Las Vegas can still try to move Crosby. 

There should be no lack of interest in Crosby. During the offseason, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he wasn’t the one that walked away from trade discussions around Crosby. After Baltimore said no, the Cowboys were still interested. But the Raiders decided not to move Crosby.

Whether it is Dallas or a more realistic contender, Crosby should bring the Raiders a good haul. 

He may not fetch two first-round picks. But landing one first rounder and another good draft pick will provide more value to the franchise than the 29-year-old Crosby.

Las Vegas will struggle without Crosby. He is the best defensive player on the roster. Without him the Raiders won’t have anyone for an offensive line to focus on stopping, meaning everyone else will get more attention.

The defensive end is among the NFL leaders in quarterback pressures, but he isn’t getting home. He has just two sacks on the season and only half of a sack since Week 1. With the roster as poor as it is in Las Vegas, Crosby’s impact is not leading to actual wins. 

But his trade value could help rack up wins when the roster is ready to compete.