Bills Tried to Trade for $35.5 Million Superstar Before AFC Rival Stepped In

Buffalo could've shocked the NFL with this one.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Before the Baltimore Ravens traded for Maxx Crosby, there were a handful of other teams in hot pursuit, including the Buffalo Bills. However, the Bills ultimately bowed out of the bidding due to the high draft pick cost required to acquire Crosby from the Raiders.

Why it matters

The Bills were attempting to add a premier pass rusher to their already formidable defense, which could have given them a major boost in their quest to return to the Super Bowl. Crosby's eventual trade to the Ravens, a fellow AFC contender, means he could end up facing the Bills in a crucial playoff matchup down the road.

The details

According to NFL writer Albert Breer, the Bills were among the teams, including the Cowboys, Bears, and eventual trade partner Ravens, that were pursuing a deal for Crosby. However, the Raiders were able to drive up the price due to the high demand, and the Bills ultimately decided not to meet the asking price, which would have required them to add a second-round pick on top of their 26th overall selection in the draft.

  • The trade talks took place in early March 2026, leading up to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A pass rusher who recently signed a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension with the Raiders, making him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL.

Josh Allen

The star quarterback of the Buffalo Bills, who could have faced off against Crosby and the Ravens in a potential playoff matchup.

Albert Breer

A national NFL writer for Sports Illustrated who reported on the details of the Bills' pursuit of Crosby.

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What they’re saying

“With the Bills, Bears, Cowboys and Ravens among those lined up as the league descended on Indianapolis, the Raiders had leverage to drive the price up.”

— Albert Breer, National NFL Writer (Sports Illustrated)

“A dividing line for the Raiders was where the picks being discussed landed in the first round. The Cowboys held the 12th pick, while the Ravens had the 14th selection. And it led to teams bowing out. The Bills were the most prominent example, holding the 26th pick, which was 500 points on the Jimmy Johnson draft chart, less valuable than Dallas's pick, and 400 points less valuable than Baltimore's pick... That meant Buffalo would essentially have to add a second-round pick to whatever Dallas or Baltimore offered, which is why, in the end, the Bills bowed out of the bidding.”

— Albert Breer, National NFL Writer (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

The Ravens will look to integrate Maxx Crosby into their defense as they seek to bounce back from a disappointing season and challenge for the AFC title. The Bills, meanwhile, will have to find other ways to bolster their pass rush as they continue their pursuit of a Super Bowl championship.

The takeaway

This failed trade attempt highlights the challenges the Bills face in acquiring top-tier talent, even as they remain one of the NFL's elite teams. It also shows the importance of draft capital in today's NFL, where teams are willing to pay a premium for proven stars like Crosby. The Bills' inability to match the Ravens' offer could have significant implications for their Super Bowl aspirations in the coming seasons.