Feb. 16, 2026, 4:47 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
There\u2019s no denying Maxx Crosby is one of the best pass rushers in football, but before the Buccaneers<\/a> mortgage their future for him, there are some real reasons to pump the brakes on that idea. First, let\u2019s talk money. Crosby is under a three-year, $106.5 million contract with the Raiders<\/a>, with roughly $62.5 million in guaranteed money.<\/p>\n A team that trades for him would take on that cap hit up front, which isn\u2019t just a number it directly affects what else the Buccaneers could do in free agency or contract extensions. The Raiders could eat a good portion of Crosby’s 2026 salary, but would still have cap hits of 29, 27, and 28 million for the next three seasons.<\/p>\n That\u2019s where the biggest issue for Tampa Bay comes in: their own free agents and core players.<\/p>\n The Bucs have players they need to pay this offseason, including their own ironman, Mike Evans, Jamel Dean, and possibly Lavonte David if he decides to continue playing. Not to mention those who are next up for contracts, such as Vita Vea and Yaya Diaby, Crosby\u2019s cap number might make it harder to keep those players in town. Draft picks are one thing, but giving up future salary cap flexibility on top of picks could lead to a roster that can\u2019t keep its best pieces together long term.<\/p>\n On the draft capital side, fans are talking about packages that could look similar to what other star edge rushers fetched: a first-rounder and at least a second-round pick, possibly more. That kind of haul might weaken the Bucs\u2019 ability to address multiple areas of need in the draft, something they have been able to nail the last few seasons.There\u2019s also the question of age and health. Crosby will be around 29 when the season starts, and while that\u2019s not old, it\u2019s worth noting he played through knee issues late last year and just had surgery. something that reportedly clouded his availability for trade.<\/p>\n