Star pass rusher Maxx Crosby has recently become the talk of the town via trade rumors. After another Las Vegas Raiders loss, the narrative now being pushed is that Crosby will soon be traded to a championship contender.
Will Raider Nation have deja vu stemming from the Khalil Mack trade that happened seven seasons ago? Although the likelihood of a Crosby trade isn’t very high, there are clues that point to the possibility.
Crosby’s stats after eight weeks are 26 tackles with 10 for a loss and six sacks.
A rumor is born: Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby and the Detroit Lions
With Aidan Hutchinson suffering a season-ending injury, the Lions have struggled to pressure quarterbacks. As a result, the team will more than likely be in the market for edge rusher help.
It’s no secret that ‘The Condor’ loves where he comes from. Being an Eastern Michigan University alumni and Michigan native, the Lions were his favorite team growing up.
Although it has been well documented that Crosby does not wish to be traded, the rumors still arose.
Maxx Crosby can't open social media without seeing himself photoshopped in different jerseys ?
"I can't even open my phone. Every two seconds, it's Lions fans, Lions fans, Lions fans, Falcons fans, Bears fans."pic.twitter.com/oQIFsk017S https://t.co/QJGbgjlB0Y
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 23, 2024
Simultaneously, Lions head coach Dan Campbell also intensified the rumors with his recent presser. When asked about the possibility of adding an edge rusher, Campbell responded with two simple words: “Could be!”
This sent shockwaves as many believe Campbell to be referencing a trade for Crosby. However, Campbell could just as easily be referencing anyone else; Za’Darius Smith of the struggling Cleveland Browns, for example.
The Lions are in a position where they want to win right now, but compensation would be a major issue in a trade for Crosby. Outgoing draft capital would include at least one first-round pick, and the 27-year-old’s hefty contract would be detrimental to the team. In two years the Lions will have to award Hutchinson with a new contract as well.
Why a Crosby trade is extremely unlikely
Firstly, Mark Davis can’t allow a trade for Crosby due to the aftermath from fans that would follow. No matter how disastrous the past couple seasons have been, Maxx is the lone star. He has been a Defensive Player of the Year candidate and will remain as one. The Raiders can lose 10 games in a season, but if Crosby is on the team, fans will still buy tickets.
Pass rushers are one of the most important elements of a football team. Without a solid pass rusher, opposing quarterbacks can dissect a defense with ease.
Tyree Wilson is evidence that finding an amazing defensive end is not an easy task. Las Vegas would be the laughingstock of the league if they fielded no edge presence beyond Wilson.
Crosby wants nothing more than to stay in Sin City, and it is the utmost responsibility of the team to win. He has played five seasons, experiencing postseason life just once. Not only is he the best player on the roster, but Crosby is also the face and leader of the Silver and Black. Without No. 98, the team will no longer embody any identity.
*Top Photo: USA Today Sports
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