Antonio Pierce‘s early stretch as the Raiders’ full-time HC is going worse than his interim period began. The team is 2-4 and has lost one-sided matchups to the Broncos and Steelers in successive weeks. Pierce has benched Gardner Minshew, and the Raiders signed off on their long-rumored Davante Adams trade Tuesday.
Teams will undoubtedly be checking in to see if the Raiders are interesting in selling other pieces. One player who will not be available: Maxx Crosby. Although Las Vegas is struggling, Crosby represents a foundational piece and would be on track for an extension — potentially as soon as 2025.
“It’s unfortunate today, but there’s so much outside chatter that is not true,” Davis said, via The Athletic’s Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed (subscription required). “It’s not coming from any sources. It’s not coming from anything. My basic thing is never to answer all that stuff because, otherwise, you get trapped in this black hole. It’s just not happening.”
Easily the best move from the second Jon Gruden era, the Raiders chose Crosby in the 2019 fourth round. The Eastern Michigan product has been a revelation, leading the NFL in tackles for loss in 2022 and ’23. The Raiders extended their standout edge rusher in 2022, and their decision to authorize what amounted to a $6MM raise this offseason effectively points to a longer-term commitment — as opposed to a player the team would consider dealing before the deadline. Crosby also received a $1.2MM bump for 2025; his four-year, $98.98MM contract runs through 2026.
Crosby came up in trade rumors before last year’s deadline as well; teams called to gauge the Silver and Black’s interest in moving their best player. Despite another slow start, Las Vegas is prepared to pass. Crosby, 27, is leading the NFL in TFLs this season as well. He has tallied nine, with 5.5 sacks to go along with that impressive total.
The Raiders have shuffled through Crosby complementary pieces, sending out Yannick Ngakoue after one season and cutting Chandler Jones following a series of strange developments surrounding the 2022 free agency addition. Would-be starter Malcolm Koonce is out for the season. A top-10 pick in 2023, Tyree Wilson has started one game this season and has yet to record a sack or a tackle for loss. Yet, Crosby continues to produce. With Adams now gone, there is no question who the Raiders’ top player is. And the team intends to maintain this beyond 2024. Crosby is interested in a full-career Raiders run, having said as much this summer.
Teams calling about Raiders could look to Josh McDaniels-era pickup Jakobi Meyers, who is signed through 2025, and contract-year DBs Nate Hobbs and Tre’von Moehrig. With McDaniels and Dave Ziegler still in charge last year, the team rebuffed the 49ers’ interest in Hobbs. But the established cornerback being unsigned beyond 2021 will naturally invite interest from coverage-needy clubs. A team in need of a backup or an emergency starter could also call on Minshew, who is signed through 2025 but has $3.16MM in guaranteed salary (as part of an $11.84MM base, since the team has pivoted to Aidan O’Connell already.
Send Maxx Crosby and a 5th round pick to Detroit for 2025 1st and 3rd round picks, and 2026 1st and conditional 3rd, to become a 2nd.
Who says no? Raiders get premium picks Day 1 & 2 in back to back years. Detroit gets their pass rusher opposite of Hutch next year and also someone who fits their timeline and make it to the super bowl who will be 28 next year.
Steep price to pay, but I think this puts them as the best team in the NFC with this deal.
I could see a case for both saying no. At this point, Crosby is one of the only things on the Raiders worth watching or rooting for–or there to entice whoever their next coach is. Unless something goes wildly wrong, those Detroit first rounders will be in the 20s, and this is a draft where people think the high end talent is shallower than that. And for as fun as it would be to see Crosby on a Detroit team going all in, with all the big contracts they’ve signed, they’re going to need high draft picks to turn into cheap starters. (I think Raiders more likely say no, though.)
Raiders have the highest ticket prices in the NFL, and for many games (like Pittsburgh) the road team has more fans. Locals can’t afford tickets. So what’s the point in keeping Crosby on a rudderless team with no future?
That’s wrong information. Raiders season tickets are sold out. The PSLs you can’t get unless it’s secondary market. Most PSL holders sell them for big teams like the stealers. $1400 for 2 400 level tickets. That’s why.
Raiders have the most expensive tickets in the NFL. Thats not wrong information. Locals aren’t buying most of these tickets, tourists are. Big business buys the luxury suites and PSLs. Ticket prices for the Pitts/LV Raiders game last week averaged $600 each. My point is tourists aren’t buying these tickets to see Maxx Crosby. They’re paying to see their own team. Here’s 1 link, but there are many more.
link to usatoday.com
As a PSL owner I can say that you are wrong. We sell for various reason. I’m not wealthy or a big business. Started in Oakland and carried over to Vegas for me. I obviously don’t live in Vegas and can’t attend every game. I think I’m more reputable than a USA Today article.
How are they a rudderless team with no future? Have a beautiful stadium treat their players right. Have over 100mil in salary cap room next year. Have great vets like Crosby, Wilkins, Kolton Miller. 2 young good guards in Parnham and Powers-Johnson. Top 5 TE in Bowers. But yes they do need work. Offense needs a lot of help though. QB, RB and #1WR
They have a few pieces, but don’t have their QB of the future and I doubt Pierce is your HC for years to come. In the past few years they’ve gone through too many QBs and HCs. Their division is set with KC, Harbaugh in LA, and Peyton in Denver. They don’t look set to challenge that division for a long time. Buy hey, Mark Davis got the cash from TB12 he so desperately needed. Ticket prices are most expensive in the NFL, he’s set!
Raiders. If they’re trading Crosby it’s probably 3 firsts since he’s under contract for 2 more years plus rest of this season.
They can get a better deal from teams in the off season if he’s healthy. Least higher pick value than late 20s and late 2nd and 3rd rounders.
Texans should definitely be in the mix and potentially offer 3 1sts with stroud under contract cheap on his rookie deal.
Also an injury away from fetching less. As he approaches 30 his body will inevitably wear down. I don’t know the locker room situation. If they win this week he’s probably their guy.
It’s an intriguing deal between an NFC and AFC team that COULD happen.
The framework of the deal seems there.
Everyone is an injury away from fetching less.
He’s healthy now, I think, I don’t follow the raiders but he’s productive and signed to a reasonable contract for a pass rusher.
A team with a rookie contract QB who can afford to deal draft picks and sign free agents instead should definitely be in on his services
Houston
Washington
Come to mind
I agree with you that Maxx might be worth 3 1’s. However, he’s also 28 and i’m not saying he’ll wear down but the chances of injuries grow as you get older. I do agree that Houston if they are serious should be all over this deal, but Stroud’s NFL altering 2nd contract will likely defer them from this type of move at the moment. I think Houston will try and land Hassan Reddick in some capacity and much cheaper draft compensation than what Crosby will cost roughly.
Strouds 2nd contract is 4 years away if they decide to go that route
3rd year
4th year
5th year option
Franchise tag if it comes to that.
They can afford to add salary the next 2-3 years possibly up to the 4th year.
Crosbys contract expires well before then as do others who will be coming off the books.
They can definitely afford to trade 3 1sts and bring in guys on low years high aav deals to replace 1st rounders.
I’d love Houston to acquire Crosby and go for the kill against KC and other teams in the AFC. The bigger question remains, does Mark Davis decide to trade him inner conference? Not disagreeing with anything you are saying but I just have a hard time that Bowl Cut boy will trade his best asset to a team that’s arguably going to have a top 2 team in the AFC for the next few years.
Should he? Yes
It’s out of the division and hopefully means Houston will challenge kc in the playoffs better.
Will he? Nah.
It’s what bad franchises do. Panthers could have taken 2 1st rounders for Burns. Wound up with what a 2nd rounder in the end playing around?
Houston has already heavily, heavily invested in two edge players. They’re not dropping multiple firsts and a huge contract on a third.
And maxx Crosby makes them better.
Jets invested heavily in the wr room prior to bringing over Adams when they spent a top 10 pick on Wilson, signed Lazard, signed Mike Williams, and invested a high 2nd in breece hall.
Just cause you invest already shouldn’t preclude you from improving the roster, even if it’s an area of strength.
You can never have too many pass rushers in a conference where Patrick Mahomes Josh Allen Lamar Jackson are in your way to the Super Bowl. Adding Maxx Crosby means Denico Autry and Mario Edward’s jr become good rotation options to keep guys fresh.
The Jets situation is totally different. Lazard isn’t a top receiver or making top receiver money, was benched most of last year, and will probably be gone next year. Williams is on a one year deal, hasn’t been good, and can be offloaded. Hall is a running back and not really relevant here. Plus the Jets play three receiver sets a lot. The Texans gave Danielle Hunter a top level edge rusher contract this offseason, the year after spending two firsts, a second, and a third on Will Anderson. Crosby would cost both a high level contract AND multiple firsts. And it would be difficult to get all three on the field at the same time on early downs. Those guys are all too good and too costly to be treated as rotational pass rushers, and the Texans have actual needs to fill, don’t have a ton of cap space, and will need to hold onto some draft picks to have cost-controlled starters as they spend more and more on locking up their core.
Crosby is under control for 2.5 years.
Hunter is a 2 year deal
Autry I believe is a 2 year deal
Anderson, like Stroud, is on his rookie deal with at least 3 more years of cheap production.
They can both afford Maxx Crosby and would have 3 elite pass rushers in Anderson, Hunter, and Crosby. Which great depth options in Autry and Hunter.
Jets situation isn’t much different at all.
They invested in the position, paid a lot of money to do so to Lazard and Williams combined.
Invested a high draft pick in Wilson
Invested a high draft pick in Hall
As much as 3 1st round picks would hurt doubt the Texans draft anyone impactful as Crosby the next 2 years.
They’re ready to take the next step and have both the draft capital and financial wiggle room to make a significant move geared towards dealing with Mahomes Allen Jackson in the afc.
The nice part is if they trade first round draft picks they can add via free agency under year 3 and 4 of Stroud and Anderson. Low years higher aav on a 2 year deal.
Adding Crosby doesn’t impact much long term other than missing out on late first round draft picks, not really something Texans need since their core is locked up long term
Stroud
Dell
Collins
Mixon
Schultz
Oline
Least 2 years together
Once again, I don’t know why you’re lumping Hall in with the receivers, but it doesn’t make sense. Once again, Williams is a free agent after this year, Lazard will probably be cut after this year with a minimal cap hit, and Adams’ contract has no guaranteed money after this year. And even for this year, the combined cap hits of Lazard and Williams are less than Hunter alone. Yes, the Jets spent a first round pick on Wilson. The Texans spent two first round picks, plus a second and a third on Anderson. And AGAIN, the Jets can easily put three of those receivers on the field at the same time, but the Texans would mostly only be able to play two of those edge rushers at the same time. And AGAIN, the Texans have bigger fish to fry with their draft capital and limited cap space. Crosby would be much more meaningful to a team who’s actually lacking in that department.
Cause a receiving back catches passes and is one of the few 3 down backs in the nfl. He caught 76 balls last year on 95 targets. He’s certainly capable of catching passes.
1. That’s false. They can play hunter, Crosby, and Anderson at the same time. Crosby would also be around once hunters contract ends.
2. The picks they gave up became Paris Johnson and Robinson out of Missouri I believe. So far those two picks do nothing for the Texans compared to what Anderson does. Not really helping your point that they spent two firsts when Anderson has outproduced both significantly.
Just because you keep saying wrong stuff AGAIN and AGAIN doesn’t make it correct if you keep saying wrong things.
What? They obviously wouldn’t have had to draft the exact guys Arizona did (and the pick they actually traded turned into Gibbs). The point is about how heavily invested in Anderson they are. And no, they would not have an easy time playing Crosby, Hunter, and Anderson together on early downs. Where are you lining them all up on rushing downs?
And just because a running back catches passes doesn’t mean he makes a wide receiver redundant. They’re different positions. A defensive tackle who rushes the passer doesn’t render a wide nine pass rusher redundant.
And yeah, Crosby and Anderson’s contracts run longer than Hunter’s, but this year, next year, and their caps and playing situations do still exist.
Considering the Texans invested a 2nd round pick in Fisher they’d probably have taken Johnson as a plan to shift Howard inside where he began his career and tried Johnson at RT.
Leading up to the draft DE / Dline was a common mock for the Texans for pass rush depth before they dealt 24 to the Vikings
So wrong on both accounts, again, Texans could have easily taken those two.
Never used the word redundant, but between Wilson Lazard Williams and Hall they did invest assets into the receiving core. Didn’t stop them from adding another weapon in Adams.
Texans use a lot of different formations besides their base 4-3 defense. They can easily find ways to get all 3 into the game using different formations. Steelers have found ways to use Highsmith, Heyward, and Watt all in the lineup. Other teams with multiple pass rushers such as the jets found ways to get Johnson McDonald John Franklin myers in games before the last was dealt to the broncos. It’s possible
I’ve already outlined how the Texans have invested drastically more in those two edge rushers than the Jets did in those receivers.
I also don’t understand how the Texans possibly drafting a defensive lineman for depth equates to them trading tons of draft capital for one of the most expensive edge rushers in the game.
The Jets and Steelers are both ill fitting comps here. McDonald didn’t play much last year and JFM’s whole thing was that he played outside on early downs and kicked inside on passing downs, which he was much better suited to than any of the guys were discussing. And Heyward is flat out a different profile. He’s a true interior player.
We can really stop now.
Not really.
You showed they spent two first round picks on Anderson but the two first round picks haven’t done much and aren’t really helping Texans same way Anderson is so that’s not really an argument FOR keeping your draft picks. It’s more of an argument FOR trading them.
Drafting a defensive lineman for depth is less impactful than adding Crosby. You’re right for once.
So you’re saying it’s possible to play all 3. Got it. Thanks for confirming.
You haven’t addressed the whole Mahomes Allen Jackson thing at all. Probably because you don’t have a counter argument for that.
You’re either deliberately misinterpreting things I’ve said or you’re struggling with reading comprehension. I’m done playing whack-a-mole with your logic. Have a good one.
Neither actually.
Yes. The Texans could have drafted both Johnson and Robinson. Neither have been impactful like Anderson
Yes. They can find ways to play all 3 at once. They can definitely find ways to get all three playing 65% or more. Other teams have found ways to get their pass rushers on the field the same time. I forgot to add huff to the mix in the jets.
Yes. They have financial room and Crosby 2.5 year contract doesn’t affect anything long term and doesn’t affect deals with Dell Stroud Anderson Stingley Lassiter Scruggs or any core pieces who are also 2+ years away from free agency.
Yes. Texans can trade 3 first round picks and instead of drafting guys they can sign guys to low year high aav contracts. They’ll have woods and Diggs coming off the books but have Collins Dell Hutchingson Schultz and could draft a receiver in the 2nd or later rounds next year. Or sign a veteran like Juju Moore Hopkins bring back old friend Brandin Cooks.
Huff was strictly a rotational pass rusher who only played half the Jets’ defensive snaps once because he was useless against the run. These are not similar situations. Just stop. If the Texans acquire Crosby this year and spend $54 million next year on three edge rushers, I’ll be sure to say you were right multiple times. In the meantime, enough.
So yes the jets found ways to play their pass rushers at once. Cool thanks for confirming, AGAIN
Still ignoring the Mahomes Allen Jackson topic as to why a guy like Crosby is a necessity rather than a luxury.
They have a top 3 first round pick and Danielle Hunter whom they just gave $50M for 2 years…they ain’t trading for Crosby, don’t be delusional. If they need anything it’s OL help this year or maybe a WE to help replace Nico until he’s healthy.
They had Anderson and Jonathan Greenard who posted 12.5 sacks last year. Didn’t stop Lamar Jackson from hanging 34 points on them in the playoffs. Wouldn’t have stopped Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes either.
Texans made lateral moves at best
Greenard for Hunter
Rankins for Autry
Edward’s Jr for Collins
Al Shazir for Cashman
Delusional is thinking Anderson and Hunter are enough to stopping Mahomes Allen Jackson.
When they played Allen this year 0 sacks and Allen ran on them for 54 yards on 4 rushers. Now that Bills were missing his top target Shakir and just went out and got Cooper. Banking on Allen going 9/30 again is a bad strategy.
You’re close but he just turned 27 in August.
Las Vegas says no, easily. Not that the deal you’re proposing might not be fair, but the owner just emphatically said they aren’t trading him. To change a team’s mind, you can’t do fair; that other team has to feel they’re winning the trade. That means it probably takes 3 firsts (Detroit’s 1sts will have less value) plus a young player and a day 2 selection, just guessing.
As a Lions fan I would love to see Crosby come home and team up with another hometown player in Hutch but the Raiders say no. Maxx wants to be a Raider for life and the only other team he’d be interested in playing for is the Lions if the Raiders were off the table but the Lions firsts would not be premium picks considering they will be towards the end of the round. It’s essentially like second round picks. Let’s let Brad Holmes work his magic and scout the upcoming draft and get someone for the other side. Or hopefully get Za’Darius Smith from the Browns for a late round pick. That’s more realistic for this season at least.
The raiders say no
Hobbs isn’t signed beyond 2021…so he’s free, why trade him?
Just going to throw this one out there…
Tee Higgins for Max Crosby.
Dump in Sam Hubbard and whatever draft picks each way it takes to grease the wheels.
Face of the franchise for a rental is a tough sell.
Brad Holmes is not giving up three first-round picks for anyone. Crosby is awesome, but they will pursue something more doable, such as Hendrickson or Garrett. If he’s available, a second will probably close the deal for TH, and maybe a conditional first and a late-round pick could get MG. That said, I think he will go for something less superstarish.
They’re not getting either. The Lions are effed and they know it. You don’t recover from losing blue chip players. They don’t have a pass rush. Frankly, they never did outside of Hutch. And they’re depending on two rookies and a FA on the back end.
Gonna be a lot of 40-39 games in Detroit this year.
I think Maxx is the only player with his team tattooed on him. Like maxx said recently. “I ain’t going nowhere I got this sh*t tattooed on me “. Maxx ain’t going anywhere.
That worked great for Kadarius Toney
Josh jacobs has a raiders tattoo lmao
You’re right. I know Jacobs wanted to stay but raiders didn’t see the value in keeping him
It’s a little different here with maxx
Oh I 100% agree with you. The Khalil Mack trade was awful, they’re not doing that again. Maxx is just as valuable in the locker room as he is on the field, they need someone like Maxx to build around. He’s not going anywhere all these people are nuts.
Crosby is a throwback to former Raiders like Jim Otto and John Ritchie, Davis loves that type of player and besides, someone has to set the tone on defense for future additions. They wont trade him.
Al Davis isn’t around anymore, he would definitely love a Jim Otto and Jon Ritchie type though, that’s for sure, a throwback 1970s Raider attitude that Crosby has is a God-send.
If a contender is offering 3 first round picks or 2 firsts and 2 seconds, Davis better be selling. Accepting the reverse side of the Herschel Walker deal is how teams build Super Bowl winning rosters.
MAXX, NO but BING is Available.
Hardly surprising news. The Raiders have to keep Crosby if they hope to recruit Stills, Nash & Young.
It’s fantastic that so many wannabe sports writers can propose trades without regard for the Salary Cap or the availability of the draft picks they propose trading.
so many wannabe sports writers can propose trades
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It’s a discussion board. Lighten up, Francis.
Fair – I propose a 2025 7th Round Comp pick that could improve to a 7th Round place of finish pick in exchange for Crosby going to the Lions.
Not so great when the suggestions are dumb is it?
If you want to bash a bad trade proposal, go ahead. I occasionally do the same. But this is an opinion board. You have to expect opinions in here.
Teams who draft smart use 1st round picks on the foundational positions when they are in a rebuild: QB, OT, DE. If you trade Crosby and get a 1 and a bunch of garbage picks, you’re just gonna turn around use that 1 on a DE, or if one of the other foundational positions is a better pick then the next year you’ll pick a DE. He is a known pro bowl level commodity at a foundational position so trading him is stupid.
Crosby is also not on a rookie contract. The reason to keep Crosby is not his play, it’s that he’s a tone setter and a leader of men. Crosby seems to be a happy and enthusiastic Raider. The offer must be rich, but three 1sts or two 1sts and two 2nds should be enough for a franchise in rebuild mode to sell.
I’d hate to do it, but 2026 is the earliest that they can compete. Even if they draft a good QB, how much help will he be?
But having said that, it should be a rich offer. As someone else mentioned above, you don’t want to get into the Burns situation
Past that, trade everyone that won’t be here in 2026.