The Las Vegas Raiders aren’t overly concerned with roster matters at the moment as they continue to search for the franchise’s next head coach. However, they have an important situation they’re going to have to resolve.
Star defensive end Maxx Crosby was not happy about being forced to sit out the final two games of the season and it’s hard to imagine he’s thrilled the team is going through another change at head coach.
Crosby has been loyal to the Raiders, but there’s an argument that it might be best for both sides if he’s traded this offseason. If he’s available, there will be a lot of teams interesting. Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report predicts that Crosby will get sent to the Washington Commanders for a 2026 first-round pick (No. 7 overall), a 2026 fifth-round pick (No. 145 overall) and a 2027 first-round pick.
“A team like the Bears might want to repeat history, but it’s going to take a contender who can afford to absorb Crosby’s contract while enticing the Raiders with picks,” Ballentine wrote. “The Commanders fit the bill. They have around $89.8 million in cap space and the potential to have a huge bounce-back season with a healthy Jayden Daniels next season.
“Washington’s struggles this season gives them the advantage of a top-10 pick to offer to Vegas. Dan Quinn would get the marquee pass-rusher he needs to improve the Commanders defense and the Raiders would be able to potentially add a quarterback at No. 1 and a foundational defensive prospect at No. 7.”
This Offer Would Be Too Good to Pass Up
If the Commanders really made this offer, it’s hard to see how the Raiders pass it up. Getting the No. 7 pick in this year’s draft would mean the team could add a blue chip prospect like Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods or Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey. That’s in addition to already owning the No. 1 pick.
Plus, the Raiders would get an additional first-round pick next year. Though the Commanders have a chance to be very good next season if they add Crosby, there’s also a chance things could fall apart like they did this season. Two top-10 picks would be about the best haul a team could get a for non-quarterback. Crosby is an excellent player, but the Raiders are rebuilding. This would be a great way to get a head start on the rebuild.
Crosby Trade Still Feels Unlikely
On paper, Ballentine’s trade pitch would make sense for the Raiders, but it doesn’t mean the Commanders, or any other team, would give up that kind of haul. He’s coming off his second season in a row he had to finish on the Injured Reserve.
That could scare away some teams. The Raiders likely don’t make a move unless Crosby specifically asks for one. While he was mad at the time the team decided to keep him off the field, he understand that was the smartest long-term move for the franchise. And now they have the No. 1 pick in the draft. It’s easy to see him getting back on board if the Raiders nail the head coaching hire.
Proposed Trade Has Raiders Swing Blockbuster Deal With NFC Team