The NFL world has started descending on Indianapolis for the annual gossip convention otherwise known as the scouting combine.

Maxx Crosby’s potential availability in a trade or lack thereof figures to be one of the hottest topics of the week.

While there have been rumors that the Raiders’ star defensive end could be moved dating back several years, never has that possibility felt more real than now after a frustrating end to the 2025 season.

Whether there is actual fire at the source of the smoke this time remains to be seen. Many teams will be interested, though, even if the Raiders asking price is justifiably high.

Rumors have circulated it will be two first-round picks, plus a premium player. That is steep, but the Raiders don’t have to budge because the alternative is to keep a great player.

Here is a look at some teams that could be most aggressive in pursuing Crosby should he become available:

New England Patriots

Outlook: The rebuild is far ahead of schedule, as the Patriots took advantage of a last-place schedule and other breaks to reach the Super Bowl. A star pass rusher could be the final piece, and Crosby and New England coach Mike Vrabel have expressed mutual admiration. The downside of the Patriots’ success is they will pick near the end of the first round, meaning their picks aren’t as attractive in a trade package.

Possible offer: The Raiders are in position to ask for the moon. They don’t have to trade Crosby unless they get a massive offer. How about two first-round picks plus standout cornerback Marcus Jones, who is under a team-friendly contract the next two seasons?

Chicago Bears

Outlook: If you follow the news and social media around Chicago, you might think Crosby is already a member of the Bears. Even with spring training starting in a baseball town and all sorts of debate about the location of a new stadium, Crosby is front-page news.

The Bears are on the cusp of being a team that can be a perennial contender, but were limited by one of the league’s worst pass rushes last season.

Possible offer: Many of the media-proposed trade packages have the Bears shipping receiver D.J. Moore to the Raiders, largely because Chicago wants out of his contract. Two firsts and Moore? A little better, though again, those picks won’t be high.

Detroit Lions

Outlook: Crosby grew up in Michigan and returned to the state for college after playing his high school career in Texas. Fans in Detroit have been clamoring for him to come home for years. He could team with Aidan Hutchinson to form one of the league’s best pass rush duos.

Possible offer: Players such as receiver Jameson Williams and young offensive lineman Tate Ratledge. Would the Lions do something like that? How badly do they want Crosby? It’s definitely a team with which the Raiders should be interested in talking.

Seattle Seahawks

Outlook: The Seahawks make a ton of sense. They have cap space and plenty of draft capital the next two years with a good chance to build on their championship team.

Possible offer: Their next two first-round picks are a starting point, but again, those aren’t premium picks. Both starting offensive tackles — Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas — are signed for at least the next three years. Cross is a bit older but cheaper. They’re probably untouchable, but it’s not against the rules to ask.

San Francisco 49ers

Crosby is already in business with the team as an investor in 49ers-owned Leeds United, a Premier League soccer team. San Francisco fans, of course, believe that is the writing on the wall that he will also join the 49ers.

Possible offer: If they want to send their next two first-round picks as a starting point, the Raiders should be open to the possibility.

The Raiders should be in no rush, but if there are teams willing to meet the astronomical price tag expected for Crosby, they should be all ears.

Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.