Buccaneers Eyeing Raiders' Star Maxx Crosby in Potential Trade

The Pro Bowl defensive end has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reportedly interested in trading for Las Vegas Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby. Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowler, has been the subject of trade speculation as the Raiders hold the number one overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Buccaneers are in need of defensive playmakers and could potentially part with at least one first-round pick to acquire Crosby, who has recorded 45 tackles, 10 sacks, and an interception in 2022.

Why it matters

Acquiring Maxx Crosby would be a major coup for the Buccaneers, as he is one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL. His addition would significantly bolster Tampa Bay's pass rush and overall defensive unit as they look to return to the playoffs in 2023.

The details

Crosby, who has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last five seasons, has expressed a desire to be in a situation where he can "focus on football" and "be left the f--- alone." The Raiders' possession of the first overall pick has led to speculation that they could look to trade Crosby in order to acquire more draft capital. The Buccaneers, who are in need of defensive playmakers, could potentially part with at least one first-round pick to land Crosby.

  • Crosby recorded 45 tackles, 10 sacks, and an interception last season with the Raiders, even though he was sidelined for the final two weeks of the season.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A five-time Pro Bowl defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders who has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

An NFL team that is reportedly interested in trading for Maxx Crosby to bolster their defensive unit.

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What they’re saying

“I have a lot of goals, but I do want to win. That's all that matters ultimately, but I want to be in a place where mentally I'm 100 percent myself. I just want to focus on football. That's truly what I want. People that know me know I'm about the work and the football.”

— Maxx Crosby (NFL.com)

“I just want to play football and be left the f--- alone. Period. And the people that don't understand that don't f------ know me. People can say whatever they want. ... But truly, I don't give a f--- besides playing football and winning football games. I give my whole life to this sport every single day.”

— Maxx Crosby (NFL.com)

What’s next

The Buccaneers will need to determine if they are willing to part with at least one first-round pick in order to acquire Maxx Crosby from the Raiders. If a deal is reached, it would significantly bolster Tampa Bay's defensive unit as they look to return to the playoffs in 2023.

The takeaway

Maxx Crosby is one of the premier defensive players in the NFL, and his potential trade to the Buccaneers would be a major move that could reshape the landscape of the league. Tampa Bay's willingness to part with valuable draft capital shows their commitment to improving their defense and contending for a championship in the near future.