Would the Raiders still end up trading Maxx Crosby before the start of the season?
There have been conversations around the idea that Crosby trade discussions could pick up again during the season, but it has also been reported that a handful of teams are interested in trading for him now.
With Los Angeles Rams adding Myles Garrett and the Seattle Seahawks continuing to build on their Super Bowl roster of a year ago, the San Francisco 49ers could be a prime candidate to make a move for Crosby, and at least one insider continues to circle back to the idea of Crosby returning to the Bay Area.
According to the California Post’s Vinny Bonsignore, there is a framework for what the Raiders would be willing to accept for Crosby from the 49ers.
“Multiple league sources have told The California Post that the framework for a suitable offer would consist of a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and second-year edge rusher Mykel Williams,” Bonsignore wrote in his Sunday column.
“It’s an offer the 49ers would be wise to consider making. And situated with a league-leading $72,133,420 of cap space, they could easily absorb Crosby’s $30 million base salary for 2026.”
Bonsignore reiterated that the Raiders would absolutely revisit a Crosby trade if the right offer comes along.
“Trading Crosby would certainly cause short-term pain [for the Raiders]. But if they successfully cash in on the assets they get in return, they will not only expedite their rebuild but also greatly enhance it,” Bonsignore continued.
“That was the motivation when they traded Crosby to the Ravens, only for Baltimore to get cold feet over concerns with Crosby’s knee upon further inspection. The Ravens nixed the deal as a result. But don’t think for a minute the Raiders wouldn’t revisit a Crosby trade if the right offer was made.”
Raiders insider defends stance on Crosby trade rumors
Two weeks ago, Sports Illustrated insider Hondo Carpenter identified the 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles as two teams still interested in trading for Crosby and the veteran beat writer received some pushback from fans who accused him of trying to create news.
Carpenter responded to his critics on Saturday.
“I have said multiple times, the Raiders are not shopping Maxx and Maxx is not asking for a trade. But there is immense interest in Maxx. All of that is factual,” Carpenter said on the Las Vegas Raiders Insider podcast last week.
“You know, people got mad after the season ended when we talked about all the interest in Maxx. And you guys are just trying to get people stirred up. People were worried because he was a Baltimore Raven for several days. Now, I’m telling you, the Raiders are not looking to trade Maxx and I’m telling you, Maxx is not out there demanding a trade.”
“But what I am telling you is, is that there is significant interest in him. So if you’re not smart enough to gather what I’m saying, I can’t do anything about that.”
Eagles the team to watch for Crosby?
Longtime NFL linebacker Bart Scott might not have “insider” in his bio, but the former Ravens star said in early June he believes the Eagles will ultimately swoop in and pull off a deal for Crosby.
“I know Howie Roseman and I see a big move coming,” Scott said on ESPN’s Get Up this week.
“I’m telling you guys a big move is coming,” Scott continued. “Howie Roseman always has a plan. I believe that Howie Roseman is going to take this [salary cap] space that he has, he saw what happened with Myles Garrett, and he’s not going to be one-upped by anybody. I think Maxx Crosby is going to Philadelphia. I think they have the player in Nolan Smith to trade, and they can mimic the same trade [the Rams made for Garrett].”
x: @raidersbeat
If there was a second team willing to pay the asking price, he would be gone already. It’s not gonna happen unless somebody’s willing to pay the asking price. I would say that if he comes back and plays lights out this season. Somebody will pay the asking price before the deadline.
Sounds like a deal is brewing somewhere. At this point, if the Raiders are sure he’s trending in the right direction, then Maxx on the field is only going to improve his value and a contender would be apt to make a panic decision. Lions, Niners, Eagles, Cowboys, Seahawks all have needs now and that’s only the NFC, and without the usual wear and tear of a season. Sure, maybe, this team is in the hunt, but I would lean into getting out from under this contract.
Agreed. The question is the gamble. Risk v reward. Less comp now before he takes the field or gamble on him staying healthy and high production for more return?
Vinny definitely has his sources. I’d be ok with the proposed Whiners deal cuz they could be the 3rd best team in their division. It enhances the draft compensation as opposed to the Eagles