NFL.com: Maxx Crosby Would Breathe Life Into Bucs Defense
February 14th, 2026
Raiders DE Maxx Crosby.
As we inch towards the combine, the topic dujour of Bucs fans right now seems to be the availability of Raiders superstar edge rusher Maxx Crosby.
It seems Crosby, 28, with a banged-up knee, has a beef with former Bucs quarterback Tom Brady, who is now the part-owner of the Raiders. As a result, Crosby wants nothing to do with Brady (currently) and it’s unlikely Brady divests himself of an NFL team.
So that might mean Crosby is the odd man out.
Rumors are flying so rapidly about Crosby leaving Las Vegas that NFL.com decided to have several reporters type up some words on where they think Crosby will land and why.
Since the Bucs are looked down upon these days by the national media — it was earned this past season — only one NFL.com reporter believes Crosby could come to Tampa Bay.
Eric Edholm seems to think Crosby is just the kind of impact player who can save Todd Bowles’ job with the Bucs.
PICK: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I’ll go off the grid a bit and pick the Buccaneers, whose pass rush evaporated down the stretch last season, recording just 12 sacks in the final nine games. Tampa Bay needs another difference-maker up front to pair with Vita Vea and Yaya Diaby. Todd Bowles must resuscitate his defense, especially if Lavonte David decides to retire. Bucs GM Jason Licht could call his former majordomo, Raiders GM John Spytek, and offer a pretty good package, starting with the 15th overall pick in the draft.
Edholm makes an interesting point. Anyone remember when the Bucs signed Ndamukong Suh? While Suh was past his prime, he certainly elevated the Bucs defense, especially in the Super Bowl-winning season of 2020.
Could Crosby, with his personality and drive and relentless hustle, be just what the Bucs need? Joe’s very confident you won’t hear Bowles break out into a postgame f-bomb tirade about Crosby not hustling.