Raiders Eye Former No. 1 Pick in Maxx Crosby Trade Proposal
The Las Vegas Raiders are facing significant changes this offseason. With a new head coach on the horizon, the team is likely to undergo a major transformation. One player drawing interest from various NFL teams is defensive end Maxx Crosby. He is recognized as an elite pass rusher, a leader on the field, and a fierce competitor. However, Crosby is growing older and desires to be part of a winning team. Frustration surrounds his current situation, as the Raiders have struggled for victories in recent seasons.
Maxx Crosby Trade Speculation
Amid offseason speculation, there are whispers of Crosby potentially requesting a trade. While it is still early in the process, his name has emerged in trade discussions, particularly concerning the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jaguars had a solid season and are seen as a team that needs only a few additional pieces to become serious Super Bowl contenders. Maxx Crosby would be a valuable asset for them; however, acquiring him would come at a hefty price. According to Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union, a proposed trade could involve two first-round picks, a third-round pick, and former No. 1 pick Travon Walker moving to the Raiders in exchange for Crosby.
Jaguars’ Pressure Struggles
This past season, the Jaguars struggled to generate pressure against top quarterbacks, which highlighted their need for a player of Crosby’s caliber. They recorded the following disruptions against elite quarterbacks:
- 12 against Brock Purdy (San Francisco)
- 8 against Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City)
- 7 against Sam Darnold (Seattle)
- 10 against Matthew Stafford (Rams)
- 10 against Phillip Rivers (Indianapolis)
- 6 against Josh Allen (Buffalo)
Raiders’ Decision-Making Process
If the Raiders choose to trade Crosby, this proposed offer might be one of the strongest they could receive. Not only would they gain valuable draft picks, but they would also acquire an established pass rusher in Travon Walker. Despite not completely living up to his No. 1 pick status, Walker has recorded 27.5 sacks over his four-year career and had successful back-to-back seasons with 10.5 sacks.
On the other hand, the Jaguars must consider the steep cost of acquiring an All-Pro level player like Crosby, who has faced injuries in recent years and is aging. The Raiders, meanwhile, will delay any decisions regarding Crosby until they name their new head coach.
Coaching Concerns and Future Outlook
The coaching situation has been turbulent for the Raiders. They have cycled through multiple head coaches rapidly. Judy Battista of NFL.com ranked the Raiders’ head coaching position as the least attractive opening in the NFL. This instability contributes to Crosby’s desire for a change of scenery. Battista noted that the team’s next head coach must prioritize rebuilding relationships, particularly with Crosby, who expressed anger over being sidelined late last season.
The Raiders are in a rebuilding phase. They are currently seen as one of the weakest teams in the NFL, competing in the challenging AFC West division. Decisions made in the coming weeks will be crucial for the franchise and Maxx Crosby’s future.
