Raiders Could Trade Crosby Before Deadline

The Las Vegas Raiders began the 2026 season with three straight wins, but they now sit at 3-4. The rapid decline in their standing has reignited debate over whether the team should sell at the upcoming trade deadline. Central to that discussion is pass rusher Maxx Crosby, who remains one of the league's premier defensive ends.

Crosby's value is anchored in his consistent production. Since entering the league in 2019, he has recorded four seasons with double-digit sacks. He also holds the record for the most tackles for loss in that span, with 136 total. This season, he has registered 25 pressures, which ranks second in the NFL behind Greg Rousseau.

The question of his market value is complicated by a recent failed deal. The Baltimore Ravens originally agreed to trade for Crosby in the offseason in exchange for two first-round picks. The Ravens backed out after his medical exam revealed concerns. ESPN's Adam Schefter noted recently that it is unclear if Crosby is actively pushing for a trade again. He suggested the player might view the canceled deal as a sign to stay in Las Vegas for the long term.

CBS Sports writer Pete Prisco argued on Sunday that the Raiders should move Crosby to acquire draft capital. Prisco suggested the picks could support a rebuild that eventually centers on quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Given the failed Ravens deal, it is difficult to imagine Vegas receiving two first-round picks again. A more likely return package would include one first-round pick and one fourth-round pick.

General Manager John Spytek faces the decision before the Nov. 10 deadline. If the Raiders proceed with a trade, four teams present logical destinations. The Chicago Bears are currently 5-2. Despite a strong 2025 season that included an NFL-record seven comeback wins, their pass rush has struggled. Cornerback Kyler Gordon has played in only two games this year and is tied for the team lead with four sacks. The Bears also lost Montez Sweat to a two-game suspension for a performance-enhancing drug violation and have Dayo Odeyingbo out with a quadriceps injury.

The Detroit Lions offer another option in the NFC North. Crosby grew up rooting for the team. Although the Lions are tied for the league lead in sacks with 21, their defense allows 391.0 yards per game, which ranks last in the NFL. Head coach Kelvin Sheppard's unit showed improvement on Sunday by holding the Green Bay Packers to 17 points. Brian Branch is back in the lineup, and Kerby Joseph may return soon. Adding Crosby opposite Aidan Hutchinson could strengthen a defense that is currently inconsistent.

The Dallas Cowboys rank third-worst in total yards allowed per game, giving up 382.5 yards. They are tied for fourth-worst in sacks with only eight. Owner Jerry Jones previously traded for cornerback Joey Porter Jr., a move that has yet to yield the expected defensive improvement. Acquiring Crosby would be an aggressive move to bolster a pass rush that has underperformed expectations.

The Buffalo Bills present a more speculative fit. The team won four games through Week 6, but in every one of those victories, they allowed 30 or more points. The rest of the league went 8-42 in similar scenarios. The Bills ranked first in points per drive at 3.13 but last in points per drive allowed at 2.76 after Week 6. Pairing Crosby with Greg Rousseau and Deone Walker would address a clear defensive weakness.