LAS VEGAS — The confetti from Super Bowl LX has barely been swept off the floor in New Orleans, but the NFL offseason machine is already roaring. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the noise isn’t about celebration; it’s about a potential divorce. After a disastrous 3-14 campaign that landed them the No. 1 overall pick, the Raiders are staring down the barrel of a total rebuild under new head coach Klint Kubiak. And standing at the crossroads is Maxx Crosby.
The 28-year-old superstar pass rusher is recovering from a January meniscus repair—a surgery more significant than a simple trim—which complicates any immediate moves. Yet, the chatter on Radio Row was undeniable: Crosby’s patience may be thinning, and the Raiders could save over $30 million against the cap by moving him. With 69.5 career sacks and a relentless motor that defines “The Raider Way,” trading him feels like sacrilege. But in a league where “Not For Long” is the only law, no one is safe.
The Situation: Rebuild vs. Rehab
Klint Kubiak walked into the building this week facing a massive decision. Does he build his defense around a recovering veteran, or does he flip his most valuable asset to stockpile picks for the Fernando Mendoza sweepstakes? Reports indicate Crosby’s recovery will stretch into the summer, meaning any trade partner takes on risk. But for a player who racked up nearly 70 sacks in seven seasons, teams will call.
We asked five of our top analysts to cut through the smoke and identify the best landing spot for the three-time All-Pro.
Marc Ross: Detroit Lions
The Pitch: The window is open, but it’s drafty. Detroit missing the playoffs in 2025 was a wake-up call for GM Brad Holmes. The defense finished 18th overall, and Aidan Hutchinson needs a running mate who matches his energy. Crosby to Detroit isn’t just a scheme fit; it’s a culture fit. Dan Campbell’s “GRIT” philosophy was practically written for a guy like Crosby. Plus, sending the Eastern Michigan alum home would ignite a fanbase desperate to get back to the NFC title game.
Michael Baca: Dallas Cowboys
The Pitch: Jerry Jones loves a splash, and the Cowboys need a life raft after a defense that crumbled last season. Dallas has the capital—two first-round picks—and potentially a trade chip in George Pickens to make this happen. Crosby has never played with an offense this potent (on paper, at least), and pairing him with a re-tooled Dallas front could mask a lot of secondary issues. It’s a homecoming for the DFW native that actually makes football sense.
David Carr: Stay in Las Vegas
The Pitch: “Insane.” That’s the word for trading a foundational pillar. You don’t get better by shipping off your heart and soul. The Raiders should do whatever it takes to keep him in Silver and Black. However, if the tank is truly on, Carr admits Crosby deserves a shot at a ring. If he has to go, send him to a legacy franchise with a front four that’s already scary—think Pittsburgh or Green Bay—so he can finally stop facing triple teams.
Eric Edholm: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Pitch: A wild card option. The Bucs’ pass rush vanished down the stretch, logging a pitiful 12 sacks in their final nine games. Todd Bowles is fighting for his coaching life, and if Lavonte David hangs them up, the leadership void will be massive. GM Jason Licht has ties to the Raiders’ front office, making a deal plausible. Offering the 15th overall pick could be the starting point to bring Crosby’s chaotic energy to the NFC South.
Maurice Jones-Drew: Jacksonville Jaguars
The Pitch: The Jags won the division in 2025, but let’s be honest—their pass rush was a non-factor. Ranking 27th in sacks isn’t going to cut it against the AFC elite. Josh Hines-Allen needs help. Crosby brings instant credibility to a unit that looked soft at times last year. If Jacksonville wants to prove their 2025 turnaround wasn’t a fluke, they push the chips in for Crosby.
“We want him to be a part of our success going forward. There’s no doubt about that. He’s one of the best players in the NFL, so that’s a no-brainer to get to work with Maxx.”
— Klint Kubiak, Raiders Head Coach (Introductory Press Conference)
NHANFL Verdict
The smart money says Crosby stays put—at least until the trade deadline. His knee surgery depresses his value right now, and the Raiders can afford to wait. But if a team like Detroit or Dallas panics in August, expect GM John Spytek to pick up the phone. For now, Crosby remains a Raider, but the clock is ticking loudly in the desert.
