Eagles Weigh Options for Acquiring Raiders' Star Pass Rusher Maxx Crosby

Philadelphia must decide between re-signing Jaelan Phillips or trading for Crosby as the Raiders consider moving their top defender.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Philadelphia Eagles are facing a tough decision this offseason - whether to re-sign their own pass rusher Jaelan Phillips or pursue a trade for Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby. Crosby's $32.5 million salary for 2026 is already guaranteed, making him a potential trade target. The Eagles have been linked to Crosby before, having tried to acquire Micah Parsons from the Cowboys last year. The article outlines three potential trade scenarios the Eagles could explore to land Crosby, including swapping wide receiver A.J. Brown, packaging draft picks and players, or offering a combination of a third-round pick and young edge rusher Nolan Smith.

Why it matters

The Eagles' pass rush was a key part of their Super Bowl-winning defense, and adding an elite edge rusher like Crosby could take their defense to new heights. However, re-signing the younger Jaelan Phillips may be the more cost-effective long-term option. This decision will shape the Eagles' defensive identity and salary cap situation for years to come.

The details

Crosby, 28, has 69.5 sacks since entering the league in 2019 and is considered one of the NFL's premier pass rushers. However, his $32.5 million salary for 2026 is fully guaranteed, making him an expensive acquisition. Phillips, 26, has 28 sacks in his career and is strong in pass coverage, but has struggled with injuries. The Eagles would have to choose between the two, as keeping both would be too costly under the salary cap.

  • Crosby's $32.5 million salary for 2026 fully vests if he is on the Raiders' roster just two days into the new league year, which begins on March 11.
  • The NFL's legal tampering period begins on March 9, so the Eagles will need to decide on their approach before then.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A 28-year-old pass rusher for the Las Vegas Raiders who has 69.5 sacks since entering the league in 2019, making him one of the NFL's premier edge defenders.

Jaelan Phillips

A 26-year-old pass rusher for the Philadelphia Eagles who has 28 sacks in his career and is strong in pass coverage, but has struggled with injuries.

Howie Roseman

The general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles who is tasked with deciding whether to re-sign Jaelan Phillips or pursue a trade for Maxx Crosby.

Vic Fangio

The defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, who is set to retire after this season, making the decision on Jaelan Phillips or Maxx Crosby crucial for the future of the Eagles' defense.

A.J. Brown

The star wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles who could potentially be traded to the Raiders as part of a deal for Maxx Crosby.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If you need an edge rusher, this is a good draft to double up. The depth of the class is impressive. I've got 10 guys worthy of a spot in top 50 players. There's another layer of traitsy players beyond that group.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Draft Analyst (Twitter)

What’s next

The Eagles will need to decide on their approach before the NFL's legal tampering period begins on March 9, as they will need to know whether they are targeting Jaelan Phillips to re-sign or pursuing a trade for Maxx Crosby.

The takeaway

The Eagles' decision on whether to re-sign Jaelan Phillips or trade for Maxx Crosby will have major implications for their defensive identity and salary cap situation going forward. Acquiring Crosby would give them an elite pass rusher, but at a high cost, while keeping Phillips would be more cost-effective but potentially less impactful. This is a crucial decision that will shape the Eagles' defense for years to come.