Feb. 20, 2026, 1:29 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Rumors around the NFL have once again linked Maxx Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders<\/a> to potential trades, and some Buccaneers<\/a> fans are wondering if Tampa Bay could get aggressive and try to bring the elite edge rusher in while sending wide receiver Chris Godwin the other way.<\/p>\n One of the biggest appeals of a move for Crosby would be the immediate boost to the pass rush. Crosby is widely regarded as one of the most disruptive defenders in the game, with multiple Pro Bowl seasons and a track record of pressuring quarterbacks. In a division where defensive firepower matters, adding a talent like him could dramatically improve the Buccaneers\u2019 pass rush after it struggled once again to do so in 2025.<\/p>\n Financially, the trade conversation gets interesting. Crosby signed a major contract extension with the Raiders worth around $106.5 million over three years, making him one of the highest\u2011paid non\u2011quarterbacks in the league. His cap hit will be significant on the order of roughly $35\u201138 million per year through at least the next couple of seasons \u2014 but the Raiders have structured it in a way that could make him tradeable, with relatively minimal dead cap in 2026 if moved early in the new league year. It would still be a big number on Tampa Bay\u2019s books, but a team in win\u2011now mode could find a way to make it work.<\/p>\n By comparison, Godwin\u2019s contract with the Buccaneers is much smaller on a yearly cap basis. After re\u2011signing in free agency to stay in Tampa Bay, his cap hit in 2025 was reported at around $13 million, with that number expected to jump in 2026 to over $33 million. Moving him in a trade could save the Bucs meaningful space against the cap, which could then be redirected to retain or sign other key contributors or help offset Crosby\u2019s expensive contract.<\/p>\n Beyond the dollar figures, however, comes the football side of the equation. Godwin has been one of the most dependable weapons in the Buccaneers\u2019 passing game when healthy. Over his career with Tampa Bay, he has consistently been a reliable target who can make tough catches, block effectively in the run game, and move the chains. Last season, he was productive once he was finally healthy, returning to form by converting tough downs and showing strong, reliable hands.<\/p>\n