Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie–Imagn Images captures a familiar image of dominance, as Las Vegas Raiders star edge rusher Maxx Crosby continues to define defensive intensity, even as uncertainty begins to surround his long-term future with the franchise.

As the 2025 NFL season winds down, a pressing question has quietly grown louder across league circles: Could Maxx Crosby’s time with the Las Vegas Raiders come to an end this offseason?

Speculation surrounding Crosby’s future is nothing new, as rumors have circulated for several years about whether the Raiders might eventually part ways with their five-time Pro Bowl defensive cornerstone.

However, those rumors gained renewed momentum last month when FOX NFL insider Jay Glazer revealed a moment of visible frustration that sent shockwaves through the league.

According to Glazer, Crosby left the Raiders’ team facility upset after being asked to sit out the final two games of the season, a move tied directly to organizational plans to position for the No. 1 overall draft pick.

The decision, widely interpreted as a tanking strategy, reportedly did not sit well with Crosby, a player whose reputation has been built on relentless effort, durability, and an uncompromising competitive mindset.

For a veteran who prides himself on leadership and availability, being sidelined for strategic losses may have represented a philosophical breaking point in his relationship with the franchise.

That tension appeared to ease briefly, but on Saturday, new reporting reignited concerns about the long-term viability of the partnership between Crosby and the Raiders.

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that the relationship between Maxx Crosby and the Raiders “remains strained,” despite appearing to be on more stable footing just months earlier.

Russini further added that many around the league believe Las Vegas will be open to moving its star pass rusher if the right offer presents itself this offseason.

With Crosby under contract and still playing at an elite level, any potential trade would represent one of the most consequential roster decisions in modern Raiders history.

If the Raiders ultimately decide to explore trade scenarios in the coming months, several franchises stand out as logical and aggressive potential landing spots for the seven-year NFL veteran.

New York Jets

Credit: Stephen Lew–Imagn Images highlights a Jets franchise positioned for aggressive roster building, particularly after acquiring additional first-round draft capital through recent blockbuster trades.

Thanks to deals involving the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys before the trade deadline, the New York Jets now possess extra first-round assets that could be leveraged in a Maxx Crosby trade.

With defensive-minded head coach Aaron Glenn leading the charge, there is a clear organizational philosophy centered around building a dominant defense to stabilize an uncertain offensive future.

Given the strong likelihood that the Jets will be starting a rookie quarterback in 2026, investing heavily in a proven defensive superstar makes strategic sense.

Crosby’s relentless motor and leadership would immediately anchor the Jets’ defensive identity, making Gang Green one of the most realistic favorites in the Crosby trade market.

Indianapolis Colts

Credit: Denny Medley–Imagn Images reflects a Colts team that entered 2025 with Super Bowl aspirations and demonstrated rare aggressiveness at the trade deadline.

Indianapolis shocked many by acquiring star cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets, signaling a willingness to break from their traditionally conservative trade philosophy.

Those championship dreams unraveled when quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending injury, derailing what had looked like one of the most promising Colts seasons in years.

Despite the disappointment, the Colts remain well-positioned to contend again, and bolstering the pass rush could be the missing piece.

After finishing as a middle-of-the-pack pass rushing unit in 2025, Indianapolis could view Crosby as the elite edge presence needed to elevate the defense into Super Bowl territory.

Kansas City Chiefs

Credit: Denny Medley–Imagn Images underscores a complicated but fascinating possibility involving division rivals and desperation-driven roster reconstruction.

Would the Raiders truly consider trading Maxx Crosby to an AFC West rival like the Kansas City Chiefs? Under normal circumstances, the answer would be an emphatic no.

However, extraordinary situations can force extraordinary decisions, particularly if the Raiders receive an offer that becomes impossible to ignore.

Kansas City missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014 represents a seismic shift for one of the league’s modern dynasties.

After finishing near the bottom of the NFL in pass rush production, the Chiefs may aggressively pursue defensive reinforcements to reignite their championship window.

With Crosby still just 29 years old and signed to a team-friendly contract for four more seasons, Kansas City could justify offering multiple first-round picks.

An offer involving two future first-rounders and premium assets would force Las Vegas into a difficult but unavoidable conversation.

New England Patriots

Credit: Eric Canha–Imagn Images captures a Patriots organization rapidly exceeding expectations under new head coach Mike Vrabel.

New England has emerged as a legitimate contender far sooner than projected, fueled by disciplined coaching and a resurgent defensive culture.

However, a bottom-10 pass rush threatens to be the Achilles’ heel that could derail a deep playoff run.

The Patriots possess ample salary cap flexibility, and if their postseason ends prematurely, motivation to pursue a transformational defensive addition will be high.

Crosby’s presence would instantly elevate New England’s defense and align perfectly with Vrabel’s physical, relentless football philosophy.

Baltimore Ravens

Credit: Jeffrey Becker–Imagn Images shows a Ravens defense that has struggled to maintain its elite standard amid a rash of injuries.

Baltimore’s defensive front was hit particularly hard in 2025, contributing to a bottom-five league ranking in sacks entering the final weeks of the season.

With championship aspirations tied closely to the primes of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, the Ravens face a narrowing title window.

Adding a defensive game-changer like Maxx Crosby could restore Baltimore’s defense to elite status and maximize their chances in 2026.

For a franchise unafraid of bold moves when championships are within reach, a Crosby trade cannot be dismissed.

Buffalo Bills

Credit: Tina MacIntyre-Yee / USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images reflects a Bills team still searching for defensive dominance to match its offensive firepower.

Buffalo has long sought a consistent edge presence capable of pressuring elite quarterbacks in high-stakes playoff matchups.

That need drove the team to sign Von Miller to a six-year, $120 million contract, despite concerns about age and durability.

Once again in 2025, the Bills’ defense has delivered only average results, falling short of championship-level impact.

If Buffalo exits the postseason without a Super Bowl appearance, pressure to make a bold offseason move will intensify dramatically.

Trading for Maxx Crosby would represent a decisive swing, one aimed at finally pushing the Bills over the championship threshold.

As the offseason approaches, Maxx Crosby’s future stands as one of the most intriguing storylines in the NFL, blending competitive ambition, organizational direction, and league-wide opportunity.

Whether the Raiders ultimately rebuild around their defensive leader or choose to reset through a blockbuster trade, the outcome will reshape multiple franchises.

One thing is certain: if Maxx Crosby becomes available, the NFL trade market will ignite instantly. 🏈🔥