The NFL trade rumor mill is churning once again, and this time, the buzz is deafening. After Myles Garrett shockingly landed with the Los Angeles Rams, the league’s edge rusher market went into overdrive. Most of the chatter turned out to be noise — but one name keeps surfacing, and insiders say it could reshape the playoff picture entirely.
The Maxx Crosby Saga Takes a New Twist
Earlier this offseason, Maxx Crosby was reportedly headed to the Baltimore Ravens in what would have been a blockbuster deal. But sources close to the situation claim the Ravens got cold feet at the last minute, specifically over concerns about Crosby’s knee. The trade was nixed, and Crosby was forced to return to the Las Vegas Raiders — a situation that one league insider described as “awkward at best.”
According to those same sources, that medical hesitation may have spooked other potential suitors. But now, with the regular season looming, several franchises are reportedly circling back. Why? Because a healthy Crosby is the kind of game-wrecker that turns a contender into a powerhouse.
Four Teams on High Alert
ESPN’s Dan Graziano recently dropped a bombshell, naming four teams that could re-enter the Crosby sweepstakes if he looks sharp early in the season. “Crosby might stick with the Raiders all year at this point, but if he’s going to get traded at all, we’re probably looking at something in-season ahead of the deadline. If a team such as the Cowboys, Bills, Bears or Patriots finds itself in contention and in need of an impact pass rusher, things could get interesting here again,” Graziano wrote.
Let’s break down what that could mean for each squad.
Dallas Cowboys: They’ve been linked to Crosby before, and insiders say the front office is desperate for a premier edge presence. With Micah Parsons drawing all the attention, adding Crosby would give defensive coordinator Dan Quinn a nightmare pairing for opposing offenses.
Buffalo Bills: The Bills’ defense was gashed at key moments last season. Sources indicate the team has been quietly shopping for an edge rusher, and Crosby is reportedly at the top of their wish list. If they make a move, it could be a signal that Buffalo is all-in on a Super Bowl run.
Chicago Bears: Remember when the Bears were rumored to be in on Crosby before the Ravens deal? Well, sources say they never stopped monitoring the situation. A young, ascending team with a ferocious defensive identity could be the perfect landing spot for Crosby — if general manager Ryan Poles is willing to pay the price.
New England Patriots: This is the most intriguing one. The Patriots just pulled off a massive trade for A.J. Brown, signaling that they’re not in rebuild mode — they’re reloading. One league executive told us, “If New England gets into the Crosby sweepstakes, that changes the entire conversation around that team. They’d be saying, ‘We’re coming for the throne right now.’”
None of these teams currently boast a top-tier edge rusher. All of them could use the kind of disruption Crosby provides. And with the trade deadline still months away, the drama is only just beginning. As one anonymous scout put it: “If Crosby hits the market, it’s going to be a bidding war. And no one walks away the same.”
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