The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been talked about as a team that needs to use a first-round pick on a pass rusher. Instead of trying to land one in the NFL Draft, there’s an argument to try to trade for Maxx Crosby instead.
Now, it’s not a guarantee that the Las Vegas Raiders will be willing to trade Crosby in the first place. However, at 28 years old, it would make a lot of sense for Las Vegas, given their timeline.
• Trade #1: 2026 1st round pick (No. 15) & 2026 3rd round pick (No. 77)
• Trade #2: 2026 1st round pick (No. 15), 2027 2nd round pick & Jalen McMillan
• Trade #3: 2026 1st round pick (No. 15), 2027 2nd round pick & Jalen McMillan
Key Points
• The Raiders are in a clear rebuild right now and need to get younger.
• At 28 years old, contending teams should be most interested in Crosby.
Quick Facts
Team: Las Vegas Raiders
Player: Maxx Crosby
Position: Edge
Current Contract: 3-year, $106.5 million (per Spotrac)
More NFL Content From TWSN
2026 NFL Mock Draft, Full First Round: Bills Add WR, Bengals Bolster Defense
Houston Texans Top 5 Offensive Targets in 2026 NFL Draft
Ranking the Top 3 Hires of the 2026 NFL Coaching Cycle
Why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Should Trade For Maxx Crosby
The Buccaneers are in a weird spot where, although they’re not seen as legitimate contenders, it’s not as if this is a rebuilding roster either. Tampa Bay is a good team that just went 8-9 this past season.
If the Buccaneers believe they have the core to get closer to their 2024 season, they could be incentivized to make this move.
Scenario 1 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers get Maxx Crosby; Las Vegas Raiders get 2026 1st round pick (No. 15) & 2026 3rd round pick (No. 77)
This would likely be the starting offer for the Buccaneers, and it makes sense for both sides. Rather than betting on a pass rusher in the NFL Draft, Tampa Bay gets more of a safe bet and also instant production.
Now there are two main issues with making this move. One, the Buccaneers would be sacrificing an edge rusher on a rookie contract for what Crosby is being paid right now.
The other is giving up the potential to land a future edge rusher that you can build around for years. Crosby may be better right now, but if the Buccaneers want to tear things down, they’re going to regret this move.
Scenario 2 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers get Maxx Crosby; Las Vegas Raiders get 2026 1st round pick (No. 15), 2026 3rd round pick (No. 77) & Jalen McMillan
If Tampa Bay really wants Crosby, this is likely the price they’re going to need to pay. They’re still not giving up a haul, and Jalen McMillan would be an appealing addition for the Raiders.
Las Vegas needs some help at receiver, and McMillan showed flashes as a rookie.
Scenario 3 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers get Maxx Crosby; Las Vegas Raiders get 2026 1st round pick (No. 15), 2027 2nd round pick & Jalen McMillan
Finally, this is the absolute most the Buccaneers should offer, and even so, this seems like a bit much. Going from a third to a second round pick is very significant, and this still may not be enough for the Raiders.
What Could Kill the Deal?
If the Raiders are only willing to deal Crosby for multiple first-round picks, this deal is likely not happening. Due to the contract, age, and Crosby having 10 sacks in 15 games last year, it’s hard to see anyone paying that price.
TWSN Call: Prediction
If the Raiders are interested in moving Crosby, the most likely scenario would be Las Vegas getting back pick No. 15, pick No. 77, and McMillan.
Maxx Crosby Trade Scenarios: Bottom Line
If the Raiders decide they do want to trade Crosby, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers likely wouldn’t be the favorite to land him. That being said, it’s not out of the picture for the Buccaneers to make this move happen either.
Related
Subscribe to the TWSN Newsletter for original reporting, bold opinions, and real analysis across NFL, NBA, UFC, College Football, and more.
Straight to your inbox. Always authentic.
Sign up now and never miss a moment.