
There comes a point in every elite player’s career when effort alone stops being enough. Can you blame Maxx Crosby for wanting the Raiders to trade him? With rumors swirling about whether the Raiders trade Maxx Crosby, league insiders are already speculating about which teams could realistically make a deal work.
Not because the player has slipped, but because the environment around him has. Maxx Crosby has spent his entire NFL career playing as if the Raiders’ problems were his responsibility to fix. He brings relentless effort, weekly production, and a level of consistency few defenders can match. But football is still a team game, and even the most reliable edge rusher can only cover for so much.
If the Raiders ever choose to reset or Crosby decides he needs a clearer path to meaningful January football, the response around the league would be immediate. This would not be a short-term move. This would be a franchise-altering addition and likely a blockbuster trade.
If the Raiders ever move on, these are the top trade destinations for Maxx Crosby in 2026.
This is the cleanest fit on the board. Pairing Crosby with Aidan Hutchinson would give Detroit the most physically demanding edge duo in the league. Not flashy. Just constant pressure that wears offenses down as games progress. The Lions are already built to win now, and Crosby fits exactly what they value. Effort. Accountability. Durability. He would not just elevate the defense. He would stabilize it.
Chicago has spent years rebuilding patiently and stacking defensive pieces. What they still lack is the defender offenses must game plan for before the week even begins. Crosby instantly fills that role. He gives the Bears a dependable anchor on defense while the offense continues to take shape. With available cap space and a young core, the timing lines up.
Dallas will always chase stars, but Crosby brings more than a name. He shows up every week and does not fade when the stakes rise. Whether paired with Micah Parsons or positioned as a long-term answer on the edge, Crosby would immediately change how opponents protect the quarterback. This would be a statement move, not a cosmetic one.
This is the luxury option. Crosby would not need to carry the load, which might make him even more effective. San Francisco rotates defensive linemen better than anyone, keeping players fresh late into games and deep into the season. Adding Crosby to that mix would create relentless pressure without sacrificing stamina.
If New England wants to re-establish a defensive backbone, Crosby is the fastest route. He sets the standard in practice and delivers production on Sundays. That combination has always mattered there.
If Maxx Crosby ever leaves Las Vegas, it will not be about comfort or headlines. It will be about fit, timing, and opportunity. And whichever team lands him will feel the impact immediately on third downs, in close games, and when the season matters most.
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