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Maxx Crosby
EDGE · LV

Maxx Crosby

Position EDGE
Team LV
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Maxx Crosby

NFL defensive pass rusher. Position: Edge Rusher (EDGE). Team: Las Vegas Raiders.

Quick Facts

  • Position: Edge Rusher (EDGE)
  • Team: Las Vegas Raiders
  • Profile: Relentless motor, trademark intensity, AFC West anchor

2026 Outlook

Maxx Crosby has been the focal point of the Raiders' defense, serving as the team's pass rush anchor with trademark intensity and relentless motor. Trade speculation centered on potential moves to the NFC North dissipated after a failed physical halted a deal to Baltimore in February. He remains a five-time consecutive Pro Bowl selection (fifth in 2025) with 10.0 sacks and 28 tackles for loss — second-most in the NFL. Now enters 2026 under new defensive coordinator Rob Leonard, who has a track record of developing elite edge rushers. Leonard spent the last three seasons with Crosby and coached him to Pro Bowl selections in 2023-2025. (per Rob Leonard named Raiders Defensive Coordinator)

IDP tier-1 targeting (June 25): IDP+ ranked Crosby as tier-1 defensive lineman for 2026 IDP drafts, describing him as "a consistent producer with a high motor and reliable sack upside." Recommended as a rounds 8-11 target for high-ceiling defensive linemen selections (per 2026 IDP Draft Strategy Guide).

Trade speculation could resurface in-season if Crosby demonstrates he's fully healthy in August. ESPNinsider Dan Graziano identified Patriots, Cowboys, Bills, and Bears as potential fits ahead of the trade deadline, but noted that "Crosby might stick with the Raiders all year at this point" depending on his health status (per NFL Trade Rumors: Insider Names Patriots Among Four Possible Fits For Maxx Crosby Again). The Cowboys specifically made multiple offers for Crosby this offseason and may continue to pursue him (per Hypothetical 3-Team Trades That Would Turn NFL Upside Down Before 2026 Season).

June 18 update – Eagles interest: Yahoo Sports reported the Eagles and 49ers as "nuclear hot" for Crosby according to Raiders insider Hondo Carpenter, though analyst assessment is that an Eagles deal is unlikely. The Eagles have committed significant resources to their edge rush room: Jonathan Greenard's $100M extension (just signed in April), Jalyx Hunt's breakout trajectory, extended Nolan Smith, and free-agent additions Arnold Ebiketie and A.J. Epenesa. This depth suggests the Eagles prefer to keep draft capital and cap space rather than pursue Crosby (per NFL Trade Rumors: Eagles "nuclear hot" for Maxx Crosby?).

June 25 update – Eagles proposal resurfaces: A proposed trade sending Crosby to Philadelphia resurfaced in trade speculation. The blockbuster would send Crosby to the Eagles in exchange for multiple picks, a significantly better package than the Ravens' failed deal from earlier in the offseason (two 1st-round picks). However, Eagles GM Howie Roseman is unlikely to make such a lopsided trade, and the more realistic path would involve matching the Ravens' two-pick offer (per 3 proposed NFL trades would have massive Super Bowl implications).

June 26 update – Cryptic post amid lingering trade rumors: Crosby posted cryptically on social media amid the latest round of trade speculation. Earlier in June, he publicly dismissed the rescinded Ravens deal as "water under the bridge," expressing enthusiasm about being with Las Vegas. Trade deadline timeline remains the key variable: ESPN's Dan Graziano noted that any in-season trade speculation likely won't heat up until Crosby gets on the field in August and demonstrates full health. Potential landing spots (Cowboys, Bills, Bears, Patriots) remain contingent on him proving fitness entering the season. (per Maxx Crosby Makes Cryptic Post amid Latest Raiders Trade Rumors).

July 2 update – Trade interest depends on health: CBS Sports highlights the Ravens deal collapse as a cautionary tale—Baltimore's medical team flagged concerns during Crosby's physical, which crushed his market value. However, once he returns to the field and proves full recovery from his meniscus repair, league interest could "spike again." All signs point to a training camp return for Las Vegas, where his on-field performance in August will determine whether the Raiders hold him or entertain serious trade offers. If he shows he's 100% healthy, the Raiders should be motivated to capitalize on his trade value. (per NFL trade rumors: Eight players who could change teams before 2026 season kicks off)

July 2 update – Multiple teams emerge as trade suitors: New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers have emerged as the leading trade destinations for Crosby heading into training camp. The Patriots have an obvious need at edge rusher after losing K'Lavon Chaisson to Washington in free agency (Chaisson had 10.5 sacks in 2025). The 49ers, with a league-leading $70M+ in cap space, view Crosby as a potential complement to Nick Bosa, capable of restructuring his $30.7M salary (which can be reduced to $7.73M with proper structuring) to fit under the cap. Additional interested teams include Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and others. CBS Sports analyst Carter Bahns noted that "the relationship between Crosby and the Raiders reportedly deteriorated late last season because of the team's handling of his knee injury," and questions remain about how much chemistry Las Vegas rebuilt. If Crosby still commands two first-round picks in return—the package Baltimore offered before the failed physical—the Raiders seem likely to move him to load up on draft capital in their rebuild. Crosby's $30M salary would clear cap for the Raiders but costs them $5.3M in dead cap. Trade demand likely moderate-to-high given the Raiders' rebuilding posture under new HC Klint Kubiak and the organization's focus on quarterback development for Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins. (per NFL Trade Rumor: New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers emerge as top landing spots for $106.5M Las Vegas Raiders' star and NFL Rumors: Analyst Predicts AFC Franchise Could Part Ways With $106.5M All-Pro Crosby)

July 3 update – Cowboys proposal: Cowboys analyst Bryan Broaddus proposed trading George Pickens and a 1st-round pick to Las Vegas for Crosby, arguing that the All-Pro edge rusher would provide bigger impact than keeping the Pro Bowl WR. The Cowboys struggled with the league's worst defense in 2025 after Micah Parsons departed and are seeking immediate reinforcement under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. No indication of serious talks, but the proposal reflects Dallas' continued interest in acquiring Crosby and Pickens' elevated status as a potential trade asset (per NFL Trade Rumors: Dallas Cowboys eye $106.5 million Las Vegas Raiders star in blockbuster swap).

July 6 update – Three concrete trade destinations: As training camp approaches, PFSN identified three specific teams most likely to pursue Crosby: (1) Bears—need defensive anchor to complement strong offense led by Caleb Williams, currently have Sweat/Odeyingbo/Booker as pass rush but lack elite piece; (2) Eagles—have history of pursuing elite edge rushers (traded for Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons) and would elevate already strong defense (9th-ranked 2025) to elite status; (3) Cowboys—have draft capital from prior trades (Micah Parsons deal), added Quinnen Williams and Rashan Gary this offseason, need defensive reinforcement with strong offense already in place (Maxx Crosby Landing Spots: 3 Teams That Could Trade for the Raiders' 5-Time Pro Bowler).

July 14 update – Trade deadline timeline window: USA Today trade deadline analysis identifies Crosby as the most likely EDGE to move before the Nov. 10 deadline, emphasizing that he "was already traded once this offseason, until that fell through. He said his goodbyes to Vegas and Raider Nation, meaning a second trade would be a piece of cake." The key variable remains his August performance: if Crosby demonstrates full health from his meniscus repair during training camp, the Raiders could capitalize on his trade value at the deadline given their rebuild trajectory under new HC Klint Kubiak. (per 13 NFL players that could shake up the trade deadline in 2026 - USA Today).

July 30 update – Trade rumors reignited as training camp begins: As NFL training camps get underway, ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge confirmed that trade speculation around Crosby remains very much alive. The failure of the Baltimore deal in February—which fell apart due to medical evaluation concerns during Crosby's physical—had cooled trade talk temporarily, but renewed interest from league executives surfaces as teams evaluate rosters and monitor potential trade opportunities. League consensus remains that Las Vegas could be willing to listen to offers under the right circumstances, given their rebuild trajectory (per Maxx Crosby trade rumors reignited with NFL training underway).

July 16 update – 49ers trade prediction: Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport highlighted Crosby as a top trade candidate, specifically naming the 49ers as his likely preferred destination. The prediction is based on: (1) Crosby's elite 2025 performance (10 sacks, 28 tackles for loss), (2) his recovery from meniscus surgery being on track, (3) the 49ers' critical need for edge-rush depth following Nick Bosa's limited 2025 and rookie Mykel Williams's subpar pre-injury performance. Davenport noted: "There are multiple contenders who could use the services of an elite edge-rusher who just logged 10 sacks and 28 tackles for loss in an injury-shortened 2025 campaign." The article emphasizes that while Crosby hasn't publicly demanded a trade, he "wouldn't be annoyed if he wound up in, say, San Francisco," and such demand could emerge especially if the Raiders struggle in 2026. (per NFL All-Pro Trade Prediction Sees 'Demand' for Move to 49ers - Yahoo Sports)

Aug 1 update – Dismisses Cowboys trade chatter: Crosby downplayed the latest round of trade rumors linking him to the Cowboys, stating it "doesn't change anything for me." He noted that despite his efforts to avoid trade speculation, he sees everything as a professional athlete. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones denied walking away from Crosby in March but acknowledged the relationship cooled after the Ravens deal fell through due to injury concerns. (per Maxx Crosby hears Cowboys' trade chatter: It doesn't change anything for me)

Aug 4 update – Jerry Jones remains aggressive: Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reiterated his willingness to be aggressive pursuing upgrades, specifically mentioning Crosby as part of ongoing trade exploration. Speaking at training camp, Jones pointed to moves by the Rams and Patriots as examples of the mindset he wants Dallas to adopt: "We would use some of the future salary cap, some of the future draft consideration...to add to this team right now." Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones confirmed the front office is "actively evaluating several roster moves, some of it trades." Crosby, for his part, emphasized his desire to remain with the Raiders: "I want to be here. Everyone knows that." The interest from Dallas remains real even as Crosby downplays the rumors, suggesting a low-to-moderate trade likelihood heading into the season depending on in-season performance. (per NFL Trade Rumors: $20 Million star remains linked with Dallas Cowboys as Jerry Jones hints at aggressive...)

Aug 5 update – 49ers blockbuster proposal resurfaces: USA Today's trade ideas article proposes San Francisco acquiring Crosby to pair with star edge rusher Nick Bosa. The article argues the 49ers need "a big swing to keep up with the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams" and could pair Crosby with Nick Bosa to form "the best pass-rushing tandem in the NFL." The proposed trade sends Crosby and a 2028 fifth-round pick to San Francisco in exchange for defensive end Mykel Williams, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 third-round pick. The 49ers' $70M+ in cap space and defensive coordinator Raheem Morris' scheme remain attractive factors for Crosby landing in San Francisco. (per 7 NFL trade ideas for training camp 2026, with a new team for Maxx Crosby)

ESPN rankings confirmation (July 23): ESPN's 2026 executive rankings confirmed Crosby as the 4th-best pass rusher in the NFL, validating his elite status entering training camp. (per ESPN's NFL top ten list shows the Raiders' growth in talent).

Aug 8 training camp altercation: Crosby got into a heated fight with quarterback Kirk Cousins during Friday practice, hitting him twice during team drills. Cousins responded by grabbing his jersey and getting in his face before teammates separated them. Head coach Klint Kubiak benched both players Saturday for violating team standards, holding them out of 11-on-11 work while they participated in individual drills. Kubiak expressed he wants Crosby and Cousins—described as two team leaders—to be smarter with their emotions and control intensity during practice. Both players are expected to return to full participation Monday (per Raiders hold Cousins, Crosby from practice day after scuffle - ESPN).

July 15 update – Blockbuster trade proposal to Bears: FanSided's Wynston Wilcox detailed a blockbuster trade pitch with the Bears acquiring Crosby in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick, 2027 third-round pick, and 2028 second-round pick. The proposal frames Crosby as the "most expensive" pass rusher available but argues that landing him would catapult Chicago into Super Bowl contention. Wilcox notes: "Chicago can't be complacent at this point... they need a better primary option, if nothing more, to instill fear into other offenses." Montez Sweat remains Chicago's current edge option, but acquiring Crosby would provide elite-tier reinforcement alongside the Bears' strong offensive core. The Raiders originally sought two first-round picks but may settle for one first-rounder plus additional Day 2 capital to support their rebuild. (per Bears, Raiders Issued Blockbuster Maxx Crosby Trade Pitch)

Vita Vea partnership potential (late July): With defensive tackle Vita Vea requesting a trade and listing the Raiders as a preferred destination, speculation emerged about the potential pairing with Crosby. A Vea-Crosby interior-to-edge combination would create elite pass-rush pressure and significantly upgrade the Raiders' defense. However, analysts caution that the Raiders' focus on developing quarterback Fernando Mendoza during a rebuild makes defensive investment less of a priority, and even the Vea addition wouldn't push Las Vegas into true contention status. (per Pros and Cons of Raiders Trading for Vita Vea)

Role / Depth Chart

Starting edge rusher for Las Vegas Raiders defense.

Injury Status

July 2026 update – Meniscus recovery: After tearing his meniscus in Week 7 of 2025 and undergoing surgery in January, Crosby reports being "ahead of schedule" in his rehab. He was on crutches for two months post-op but regained full weight-bearing capacity and is prioritizing bilateral leg strength to prevent compensatory injury. Aiming for full participation in training camp (rookies report July 23, veterans July 28). (per "I Was Literally in Crutches": Raiders' Maxx Crosby Gives Honest Injury Update Amid...)

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