Raiders' Slump Forces Debate on Maxx Crosby Trade Ahead of Deadline
With Las Vegas at 3-4, analysts suggest the defense star should be moved to Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, or Buffalo for draft capital.
By Madison Lewis ·
The Las Vegas Raiders have traded in their early-season momentum for a losing record of 3-4, a shift that has intensified scrutiny on pass rusher Maxx Crosby. The team started the campaign undefeated but has since dropped four of its last five games. This slide has prompted a fresh debate over whether the franchise should sell its most valuable asset before the November 10 trade deadline.
Senior NFL writer Pete Prisco argued on CBS Sports HQ that the Raiders should trade Crosby to accumulate draft capital. Prisco suggested these picks could serve as building blocks for quarterback Fernando Mendoza. This recommendation comes as the organization faces a potential quarterback change and seeks to reset its roster construction.
The prospect of a deal is complicated by recent events. The Baltimore Ravens originally agreed to trade two first-round picks for Crosby earlier this season but backed out after discovering concerns during an in-person physical. ESPN's Adam Schefter noted that it remains unclear if Crosby is actively pushing for a move behind the scenes. Given the collapsed Ravens deal, it is difficult to imagine Vegas securing two first-round selections again.
Crosby remains one of the league's top defensive ends. He has recorded four seasons with double-digit sacks and holds the league record for tackles for loss since entering the NFL in 2019, with 136 total. His 25 pressures this season rank second in the NFL, trailing only Greg Rousseau. The Raiders would likely accept a first-round pick and a fourth-round pick in a new transaction, a package that general manager John Spytek must weigh against retaining a star player.
Four teams stand out as potential destinations if a trade materializes. The Chicago Bears, currently 5-2, present a logical fit due to a depleted pass rush. Cornerback Kyler Gordon has played in only two games and is tied for the team lead with four sacks. Additionally, Montez Sweat is serving a two-game suspension for violating the performance-enhancing drugs policy, and Dayo Odeyingbo is out with a quadriceps injury.
The Detroit Lions offer another option, particularly given Crosby's personal ties to the franchise. While the Lions lead the league in sacks with 21, their defense ranks last in yards allowed per game at 391.0. Adding Crosby opposite Aidan Hutchinson could address the unit's inconsistencies. The Lions held the Green Bay Packers to 17 points in their most recent game, a performance that suggests the defense may be improving under coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.
The Dallas Cowboys also face defensive struggles, ranking third-worst in total yards allowed per game at 382.5. Their pass rush is tied for fourth-worst in the league with eight sacks. Owner Jerry Jones has already made an aggressive move by acquiring cornerback Joey Porter Jr., and adding Crosby would represent another bold swing to bolster a struggling unit.
The Buffalo Bills present the most speculative landing spot. The team has won four games this season, but all victories came against opponents that allowed 30 or more points. Buffalo ranked first in points per drive and last in points per drive allowed after Week 6. Pairing Crosby with Greg Rousseau and Deone Walker would aim to fix a defense that has been a primary factor in the team's struggles.
