Getty
Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby
The Los Angeles Rams defensive line was the highlight on that side of the ball, headlined by EDGE rushers Jared Verse and Byron Young, who both were Pro Bowlers.
While both were threats off the edge, combining for almost 20 sacks in the 2025 season, neither pass rusher was ranked in the top 20 of pass run win rate; both were ranked in the top 5 in run stop win rate.
Still, the Rams sacked quarterbacks 47 times this season, tied for seventh-most in the league.
The defensive line is not a worry for LA, but adding an elite pass rusher should not be out of the picture for any team.
Trade Proposal Lands Maxx Crosby
GettyRams defensive line could get a star name
The defensive line isn’t too major a concern for the Los Angeles Rams, but it could use a more explosive pass rusher off the EDGE.
With the offseason and NFL Draft right around the corner, it would be the perfect time for Los Angeles to add that player.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report dropped a trade prediction that could shake up the offseason, with the Rams landing Las Vegas Raiders defensive star Maxx Crosby.
“Replacing Crosby with a younger high-ceiling pass-rusher while loading up on draft assets would be far from a disaster for the Raiders,” Knox wrote.
“A team desperate to maximize its closing Super Bowl window, like the Los Angeles Rams, could be the perfect trade partner for Las Vegas. The Rams came within a few plays of reaching Super Bowl LX but couldn’t make enough plays to contain Sam Darnold and the [Seattle] Seahawks.”
Compared to Jared Verse and Byron Young, Crosby ranked in the top 20 of pass rush win rate and was the top-ranked EDGE defender in run stop win rate.
Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer appeared to mention that the pass rusher does not want to go through another rebuild with the incoming coaching staff.
The Rams have been a consistent playoff team and are usually considered Super Bowl contenders under Sean McVay, which is the complete opposite of the Raiders’ situation.
Knox believes that for the Rams to land Crosby, the team would need to give up its 29th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a 2027 first-round pick, and a conditional 2027 fifth-round pick.
New Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has called Crosby one of the best players in the league and said that he would like for the defensive lineman to be part of the team’s future success.
Multiple Defensive Linemen Up For Contract Extension
GettyLA Rams EDGE rusher Byron Young
The Los Angeles Rams already have their hands full attempting to extend Puka Nacua, who is set to have a big payday, but keeping other players is a concern.
Defensive linemen Byron Young and Kobie Turner are entering the fourth year of their rookie contracts, making them available for a contract extension.
Both d-linemen have recorded 7 or more sacks in a season since being drafted by the Rams, which lines them up for handsome contracts.
The defenders are key contributors to the Rams’ defense and play well at their respective positions, with both receiving a top 10 overall grade from Pro Football Focus at their spots, neither is considered to be one of the best.
Puka, on the other hand, is considered to be one of the best wide receivers in the league, with Los Angeles likely having a higher priority on keeping the former BYU Cougar.
Not extending Young or Turner allows the Rams to take on the remaining years of Maxx Crosby’s $106.5 million contract.
Jason Garcia Jason Garcia is a sports contributor for Heavy Sports who joined the team in 2025, covering the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. More about Jason Garcia
More Heavy on Rams
Loading more stories