The Seattle Seahawks are focused on attempting to make the Super Bowl, but interesting NFL rumors have emerged about the team’s prior offseason. Seattle hit the reset button by trading Geno Smith and DK Metcalf in a matter of months.
Additionally, the Seahawks turned to Sam Darnold to replace Smith as the team’s QB1, a move that proved prudent. It appears general manager John Schneider was also big-game hunting prior to the moves.
ESPN’s Brady Henderson reported that the Seahawks pushed to land Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crobsy. Seattle attempted to dangle Metcalf and Smith as trade bait for Crosby but were unsuccessful.
Here’s what you need to know about the Seahawks’ push to strike a blockbuster trade for Crosby.
Seahawks Rumors: Seattle Pushed to Trade DK Metcalf & Geno Smith to Raiders for Maxx Crosby
There were a lot of moving parts as the Raiders initially pursued Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, per Henderson. Las Vegas ultimately pivoted to Smith but opted to sign Crosby to lucrative three-year, $106 million contract extension.
“Las Vegas first made a run at Matthew Stafford, who had been given permission by the Rams to speak to other teams,” Henderson wrote in a January 14, 2026, story titled, “How Seahawks started over at QB with Sam Darnold.” “When Stafford agreed to return to Los Angeles on a revised deal, the Raiders approached the Seahawks about Smith.
“Seattle’s plan was to offer Smith an extension, but in a free-flowing conversation at the combine, Schneider floated a potential trade that would have sent Smith and receiver DK Metcalf to Las Vegas in exchange for edge rusher Maxx Crosby, according to a source with knowledge of the conversation. The Raiders eventually shot the idea down and extended Crosby after the combine.”
Raiders Rumors: NFL Teams Question Whether Las Vegas Could Trade Maxx Crosby
Obviously, the Seahawks struck out on landing Crosby, but it is a story worth monitoring heading into the NFL offseason. Crosby did not take kindly to the Raiders shutting him down to end the season in an effort to land the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
This has prompted trade rumors to heat up once again, but the Raiders have attempted to downplay the trade chatter around Crosby. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that there is buzz around the league that Las Vegas could look to deal Crosby this offseason.
“Maxx Crosby’s Raiders future is also being questioned around the league,” Russini detailed in a January 3, article titled, “What I’m hearing about the NFL coaching carousel and the changes coming in Vegas.” “Las Vegas shut down its five-time Pro Bowler last week against his wishes, and the relationship between the sides remains strained.”
The Seahawks Are a Team to Watch if the Raiders Trade Maxx Crosby
Even without Crosby, the Seahawks pass rush has been potent this season thanks to DeMarcus Lawrence, Leonard Williams, Uchenna Nwosu and Boye Mafe among others. Seattle should still not be ruled out if the Raiders do indeed listen to offers for Crosby in the coming months.
“It’s a dramatic shift from just two months ago, when Crosby and Davis nixed any trade discussions ahead of the Nov. 4 deadline,” Russini added. “Many believe Las Vegas will be open to moving its star pass rusher if the relationship remains at an impasse, allowing Crosby, who will turn 29 this summer, an opportunity to compete on a team built to win now.”
Seahawks’ Proposed 2-for-1 Blockbuster Trade for $106 Million Superstar Leaked