Raiders Seek Edge Rushers After Crosby Trade

With Maxx Crosby gone, the Las Vegas Raiders face a critical need to strengthen their defense.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Las Vegas Raiders have traded away star edge rusher Maxx Crosby, leaving a major hole in their defense. With limited options in free agency, the team is looking to sign one of the top available edge rushers to help rebuild their pass rush.

Why it matters

Crosby was the Raiders' best defensive player, and his departure leaves a significant void that the team must address through free agency and the draft. Finding an elite edge rusher is crucial for the Raiders to improve their struggling defense.

The details

The Raiders have 11 draft picks in 2026 and $120 million in cap space, giving them resources to rebuild their defense. However, the free agent market for edge rushers is not strong this offseason. The team is considering signing players like Trey Hendrickson, Haason Reddick, or Nick Bosa to help fill the void left by Crosby's departure.

  • The 2026 NFL free agency period begins in March.

The players

Maxx Crosby

The Raiders' former star edge rusher, who was recently traded away.

Trey Hendrickson

A top free agent edge rusher who has recorded the third-most sacks in the league since 2019.

Haason Reddick

A former elite pass rusher who has seen his production decline in recent years, but could still provide value to the Raiders.

Nick Bosa

A talented edge rusher who has struggled with injuries, but could be a high-upside signing if healthy.

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What’s next

The Raiders will need to act quickly in free agency to sign one of the top available edge rushers to help rebuild their defense.

The takeaway

The Raiders face a critical offseason as they look to replace the production of Maxx Crosby, their former star edge rusher. With limited options in free agency, the team will need to be strategic in their approach to rebuilding their pass rush and improving their struggling defense.