{"id":683586,"date":"2026-01-17T06:12:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-17T06:12:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/683586\/"},"modified":"2026-01-17T06:12:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-17T06:12:20","slug":"top-free-agent-gives-raiders-a-menacing-pass-rushing-duo-with-maxx-crosby","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/683586\/","title":{"rendered":"Top free agent gives Raiders a menacing pass rushing duo with Maxx Crosby"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Las Vegas Raiders<\/a> obviously need a major improvement to their underwhelming pass rush from last season. There\u2019s Maxx Crosby, and then there\u2019s an enormous gap; then you have everyone else. But it doesn\u2019t need to be that way.<\/p>\n

Unless general manager John Spytek pivots and decides Crosby doesn\u2019t fit his long-term vision, No. 98 will resume his duties next season. However, things cannot remain the same. That\u2019s especially true when looking at the talent surrounding Crosby.<\/p>\n

Tyree Wilson is trending toward \u201cbust\u201d territory and, barring a major leap, it\u2019d be shocking to see him continue playing for the Raiders once his rookie deal ends. You also have Malcolm Koonce, who showed flashes but still disappointed returning from a devastating injury. There\u2019s still hope for Koonce, but it\u2019s far from guaranteed he\u2019ll regain his form from two years ago.<\/p>\n

Should the Raiders pursue Trey Hendrickson?<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no other way to cut it: the Raiders must heavily invest in their lack of pass rush if they\u2019re to stand a chance in the AFC West. Luckily for Spytek, Trey Hendrickson\u2019s services might be available<\/a>. A perennial Pro Bowler and former All-Pro instantly gives juice to the complete picture: Crosby, the pass rush, and even a more defined identity.<\/p>\n

It won\u2019t matter who the defensive coordinator is next season when you have these two chasing down the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Bo Nix. It\u2019s important to note that CBS Sports<\/a> predicts Hendrickson might run the Raiders about $30 million a year; he won\u2019t come cheap. Then again, anything that drastically improves your squad will never be found in the bargain bin. Spytek tried that route last offseason, and well, the results speak for themselves.<\/p>\n

If Fernando Mendoza<\/a> is indeed the Raiders\u2019 first-round pick this year, the organization will need to follow the blueprint that\u2019s made teams around the NFL successful. You load up on talent while you have your franchise quarterback on his rookie deal. As of now, Hendrickson fits the bill.<\/p>\n

Thoughts, Raider Nation? Should the Raiders splurge on Hendrickson?<\/p>\n

IG: @_TheRaiderRamble<\/a><\/p>\n

*Top Photo: Getty Images<\/p>\n

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