Feb. 20, 2026, 1:29 p.m. ET

Rumors around the NFL have once again linked Maxx Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders to potential trades, and some Buccaneers fans are wondering if Tampa Bay could get aggressive and try to bring the elite edge rusher in while sending wide receiver Chris Godwin the other way.

One of the biggest appeals of a move for Crosby would be the immediate boost to the pass rush. Crosby is widely regarded as one of the most disruptive defenders in the game, with multiple Pro Bowl seasons and a track record of pressuring quarterbacks. In a division where defensive firepower matters, adding a talent like him could dramatically improve the Buccaneers’ pass rush after it struggled once again to do so in 2025.

Financially, the trade conversation gets interesting. Crosby signed a major contract extension with the Raiders worth around $106.5 million over three years, making him one of the highest‑paid non‑quarterbacks in the league. His cap hit will be significant on the order of roughly $35‑38 million per year through at least the next couple of seasons — but the Raiders have structured it in a way that could make him tradeable, with relatively minimal dead cap in 2026 if moved early in the new league year. It would still be a big number on Tampa Bay’s books, but a team in win‑now mode could find a way to make it work.

By comparison, Godwin’s contract with the Buccaneers is much smaller on a yearly cap basis. After re‑signing in free agency to stay in Tampa Bay, his cap hit in 2025 was reported at around $13 million, with that number expected to jump in 2026 to over $33 million. Moving him in a trade could save the Bucs meaningful space against the cap, which could then be redirected to retain or sign other key contributors or help offset Crosby’s expensive contract.

Beyond the dollar figures, however, comes the football side of the equation. Godwin has been one of the most dependable weapons in the Buccaneers’ passing game when healthy. Over his career with Tampa Bay, he has consistently been a reliable target who can make tough catches, block effectively in the run game, and move the chains. Last season, he was productive once he was finally healthy, returning to form by converting tough downs and showing strong, reliable hands.

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That reliability matters in a roster context where wide receiver depth has felt questionable. The Buccaneers already lean heavily on Godwin and Mike Evans, and while young players have promise, they remain unproven as full‑time contributors. Trading away a proven playmaker risks leaving the passing game less dynamic, particularly if Evans decides to retire this offseason or leave for another team. The offensive balance could shift from strength to weakness if Tampa Bay can’t replace Godwin’s production or leadership in the receiver room.

On the other hand, Crosby’s ability to collapse pockets and affect games even without massive sack totals could elevate the defense into weekly success, especially in close games where defensive stops matter most. If Tampa Bay believes its current offensive core can still function without Godwin or that younger receivers can step up, the thought of moving him becomes interesting.

Ultimately, trading for a player of Crosby’s caliber would be both a leap and a commitment. Not only would it involve reshuffling cap numbers and assets, but it would also reshape Tampa Bay’s identity.