Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors: Eagles, Cowboys Chase Raiders Star as Two First-Round Picks Demand Emerges

Maxx Crosby trade rumors have intensified as the Las Vegas Raiders could demand a historic haul of two first-round picks for their five-time Pro Bowl defensive end, with the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys emerging as leading contenders among a crowded field of suitors.

According to Vincent Bonsignore of the New York Post, the market value of the five-time Pro Bowl selection has reached stratospheric levels due to high demand. League sources indicate that interested teams, such as the Philadelphia Eagles, will not only have to offer money, but “two first-round picks are expected to be the minimum return Las Vegas would receive” if they decide to press the trade button.

Despite the speculation, Bonsignore clarifies that there is still no final decision, but the picture will become clearer this week during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. “One way or another, expect to get some clarity this week… with the Raiders getting a better idea of Crosby’s wishes and, equally pertinent, an idea of what type of compensation might be available to them if he requests a trade,” the journalist wrote. Neither Crosby nor his representatives have publicly commented on the trade rumors, maintaining silence on his stance regarding a potential departure.

The NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis serves as the primary gathering point for league decision-makers, making it the ideal venue for the Raiders to gauge the true trade market for their defensive cornerstone. The Las Vegas Raiders official website has not commented on the trade speculation, maintaining their standard policy of not discussing internal personnel decisions publicly. For detailed salary cap analysis, Spotrac and OverTheCap provide comprehensive contract data that validates the financial implications of any potential trade.

The Record-Setting Haul: What Two First-Round Picks Really Means

The demand for two first-round picks would place any Maxx Crosby trade among the most significant defensive player transactions in NFL history. Such a package signals that the Raiders view their star pass rusher as a franchise-altering talent whose value extends well beyond his on-field production.

For context, the compensation would rival recent blockbuster trades involving elite defensive players. The Chicago Bears sent two first-round picks, a third-round selection, and additional compensation to the Oakland Raiders for Khalil Mack in 2018—a deal that remains the gold standard for defensive end trades. More recently, the Denver Broncos acquired Von Miller from the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for second and third-round picks in 2021, though Miller was older and in the final year of his contract. The Rams’ trade for Jalen Ramsey in 2019 (two first-round picks and a fourth-rounder) demonstrates how elite defensive talent commands premium draft capital regardless of position.

A Crosby trade netting two first-round selections would provide the Raiders with immediate draft capital to rebuild their roster around their remaining young core while potentially positioning them to acquire a franchise quarterback or multiple impact starters. However, the Raiders must also consider that the 2026 draft class features significant depth at the edge rusher position, which could influence their appetite to move Crosby and address the position through the draft.

The Financial Reality: Cap Hits, Dead Money, and Contract Restructuring

The financial implications of any Crosby trade extend far beyond the draft picks involved. According to contract data from Spotrac, the Raiders would face a staggering $37 million in dead cap hit if they trade Crosby, representing the acceleration of his remaining signing bonus proration. This $37 million figure represents one of the largest dead cap penalties in NFL history for a defensive player and would significantly impact the Raiders’ salary cap flexibility in 2026.

For acquiring teams, Crosby’s contract presents both opportunity and complexity. The star pass rusher signed a four-year, $98.9 million extension with the Raiders in 2022, keeping him under team control through 2026 with a base salary of $19.5 million and a cap hit of $27.2 million in 2026. However, acquiring teams have multiple restructuring options to make the deal work financially:

• Signing Bonus Conversion: The acquiring team could convert a portion of Crosby’s 2026 base salary into signing bonus, spreading the cap hit over multiple years
• Contract Extension: A new extension could lower the immediate cap hit while providing Crosby long-term security
• Void Years: Adding voidable years to the contract structure could further spread cap obligations

The Patriots, with substantial cap space, have the most flexibility to absorb Crosby’s contract and potentially sweeten any trade package with additional picks. The Eagles and Bills, while more cap-constrained, could utilize restructuring strategies to fit Crosby under their respective salary caps.

Eagles, Cowboys, Patriots, Bills: Breaking Down the Top Suitors

While the Philadelphia Eagles have raised their hand, they are not alone in line. Bonsignore’s report assures that “the teams lined up to acquire Crosby would be in the double digits,” guaranteeing a bidding war among some of the league’s most aggressive franchises. The NFC East rivalry between the Eagles and Cowboys adds an extra layer of intrigue, as both teams would be bidding against each other for the same player—a dynamic that could drive the price higher than either would prefer.

Philadelphia Eagles: Super Bowl Window and Draft Capital

The Eagles represent one of the most logical suitors given their competitive window and general manager Howie Roseman’s aggressive roster construction philosophy. Philadelphia has proven willing to package premium picks for elite talent, as demonstrated by their acquisition of A.J. Brown and other key moves. Adding Crosby to a defensive front that already features talent would create one of the league’s most formidable pass rushes. The Eagles’ ability to restructure contracts and create cap space makes them a serious contender despite their current cap constraints.

Dallas Cowboys: The Draft Capital Edge

The Cowboys appear, on paper, to be the best equipped to pay the price, as they hold three first-round picks over the next two drafts. Moreover, Dallas’ 2026 selection projects to be higher than those of their competitors, giving them a strategic edge in any bidding war. The ability to offer a more valuable combination of picks could make the Cowboys the favorite if they choose to aggressively pursue the deal. However, the Cowboys face a significant internal decision regarding Micah Parsons’ upcoming contract extension, which could impact their willingness to commit additional premium assets to the defensive line. Parsons is eligible for an extension that could make him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history, adding complexity to any aggressive move for Crosby.

New England Patriots: The Vrabel Connection

Everything indicates that the Raiders will consider Crosby’s wishes and will only send him to a place where he feels comfortable. This situation could give the Patriots an advantage, as it is reported that the defensive star is a “big fan of head coach Mike Vrabel,” which would tilt the balance toward Foxborough. The Patriots have the cap space and the need for a transformational defensive presence, making them a serious threat to land Crosby. New England’s extensive cap space allows them to absorb Crosby’s contract without requiring significant restructuring.

Buffalo Bills: Contender Appeal

On the other hand, the Bills and the Eagles offer something Dallas does not currently guarantee: the stability of being immediate Super Bowl contenders, which is one of Crosby’s most important desires. Both projects have already proven effective, and his presence would increase their chances of reaching the Super Bowl. Buffalo’s defensive line would benefit immensely from Crosby’s relentless motor and leadership. The Bills have also demonstrated a willingness to be aggressive in adding premier talent to maximize their Super Bowl window.

The Human Factor: Crosby’s Preference, Injury History, and Raiders’ Dilemma

Beyond draft compensation and contract considerations, the human element of any potential trade looms large. The Raiders have established a culture under head coach Antonio Pierce that emphasizes player empowerment and accountability. Moving Crosby, a locker room leader and the face of the franchise, would send a significant message about the team’s direction.

Crosby has consistently expressed his desire to win, making his preference for a contender a critical factor. However, the 2024 ankle surgery that sidelined him for multiple games adds a medical evaluation component to any trade discussion. While Crosby has demonstrated remarkable durability throughout his career, teams acquiring him will need to review his medical records and assess any long-term implications of the procedure. The surgery has not appeared to affect his performance, but it remains a factor in trade negotiations.

The Raiders must weigh whether honoring his request aligns with their organizational goals or whether keeping him, even against his wishes, serves the long-term interest of the team. Crosby’s 2026 base salary of $19.5 million could also be a factor in the Raiders’ decision, as retaining him would require significant cap allocation for a team in transition.

As one of the league’s most respected players, Crosby’s departure would leave a void both on the field and in the locker room. The Raiders would need to ensure they receive appropriate value while also managing the emotional impact on the roster.

Scouting Combine Timeline: Key Dates and Media Sessions

The NFL Scouting Combine runs from February 24 through March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, providing a structured timeline for trade discussions to develop. Understanding the schedule helps track when key information may emerge:

• February 24-25: Early arrivals and informal team meetings
• February 26: General Managers and Head Coaches media availability—watch for Tom Telesco and Antonio Pierce press conferences
• February 27: Defensive Line and Linebacker on-field workouts—Crosby’s position group evaluation context
• February 28: Defensive Back on-field workouts
• March 1: Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers, and Tight Ends on-field workouts
• March 2: Offensive Line and Running Backs on-field workouts
• March 4-5: College Pro Days begin, creating additional trade discussion opportunities

Raiders GM Tom Telesco’s media session on February 26 represents the most likely opportunity for public comment on the Crosby situation. His responses—or lack thereof—will provide critical insight into the team’s direction.

Trade Packages Beyond Picks: Players Who Could Be Included

While draft picks form the foundation of any potential Crosby trade, the inclusion of established players could reshape the entire negotiation. Several potential player-for-player components have emerged in league circles:

• Jerry Jeudy to Raiders: The Browns wide receiver has been mentioned as a potential trade piece, though his contract and recent performance complicate any deal
• Defensive Line Depth: Teams may offer young defensive linemen as part of the package to help offset Crosby’s departure
• Offensive Line Help: The Raiders’ offensive line struggles make the inclusion of a quality blocker attractive
• Conditional Picks: Future draft compensation based on Crosby’s performance and Pro Bowl selections

The inclusion of players could help the Raiders fill immediate roster needs while still accumulating draft capital for their rebuild.

Fantasy Football Impact: What a Crosby Trade Means for IDP Leagues

For fantasy football players in Individual Defensive Player (IDP) leagues, a potential Crosby trade carries significant implications that deserve attention. Crosby has consistently ranked among the top IDP defensive linemen, averaging double-digit sacks and elite tackle numbers throughout his career.

If Crosby stays with the Raiders: His value remains stable as the focal point of the defense, though the Raiders’ lack of complementary pass rushers could lead to increased double-teams affecting his production.

If Crosby moves to the Eagles: His IDP value could actually increase, as playing alongside a dominant defensive front would reduce double-teams and increase one-on-one opportunities. Philadelphia’s defensive scheme historically produces high fantasy production for edge rushers.

If Crosby moves to the Cowboys: Playing across from Micah Parsons could create a nightmare scenario for opposing offenses. Crosby could see more favorable matchups, potentially boosting his sack totals. However, the Cowboys’ existing star power might reduce his tackle numbers.

If Crosby moves to the Patriots or Bills: Both teams feature defensive schemes that maximize edge rusher production. New England’s system under Vrabel could unlock even greater numbers, while Buffalo’s aggressive front would provide similar benefits.

IDP managers should monitor the trade situation closely, as Crosby’s landing spot could significantly affect his 2026 fantasy ADP and draft strategy.

Contract Restructuring Possibilities for Acquiring Teams

Beyond standard cap management, creative contract restructuring could make a Crosby trade feasible for cash-strapped contenders. NFL teams have multiple tools to create cap space while satisfying Crosby’s financial expectations:

• Base Salary Conversion: Converting a portion of Crosby’s $19.5 million base salary into signing bonus would lower his 2026 cap hit while distributing the cap charge over future years
• Extension with Restructure: A new extension averaging $30-35 million annually could lower the immediate cap hit through spread-out signing bonuses
• Voidable Years: Adding void years to the current contract structure would spread the cap hit across multiple seasons while maintaining the original term length
• Injury Guarantees: Structuring guarantees around injury protections could lower the guaranteed portion while providing Crosby with appropriate financial security

Teams like the Eagles and Bills, while currently closer to the cap, have proven expertise in creating cap flexibility through these mechanisms. The Cowboys, with Jerry Jones’ willingness to structure creative deals, also have options despite their cap constraints.

Maxx Crosby Trade FAQ: Everything You Need to Know