Raiders Could Trade Maxx Crosby Midseason If Team Struggles

NFL insider Albert Breer predicts a potential Crosby trade could happen later in 2026 if the Raiders get off to a poor start.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 10:41pm

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The future of star defensive end Maxx Crosby with the Las Vegas Raiders remains uncertain after a proposed trade to the Baltimore Ravens fell through. While the Raiders have signaled a desire to keep Crosby, NFL insider Albert Breer believes a midseason trade could still happen if the team struggles early in the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Crosby is one of the Raiders' top defensive players, and his potential departure would be a major blow to the team's hopes of returning to the playoffs. However, Breer suggests the Raiders may be able to get more favorable trade terms later in the year if Crosby plays well but the team falters.

The details

According to Breer, the Raiders' handling of the failed Ravens trade helped rebuild trust between the team and Crosby. However, he believes if Crosby has a strong individual performance early in the season but the Raiders start 0-7, trade talks could resurface. Breer says the Raiders may be better off waiting to trade Crosby, as it would be easier to manage the team's owners and fan base if he plays well before a potential deal.

  • The proposed trade to the Ravens collapsed during Crosby's physical in March 2026.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A star defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Albert Breer

An NFL insider who shared his predictions about Crosby's future with the Raiders.

Klint Kubiak

A member of the Raiders' front office who helped rebuild trust with Crosby after the failed trade.

John Spytek

A member of the Raiders' front office who helped rebuild trust with Crosby after the failed trade.

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What they’re saying

“I think the handling of this by Klint Kubiak and John Spytek as it was going on in the moment. The fact that they had his back was, I think, coming from a really genuine place, but has become the bridge back for them, because there I think they were starting to rebuild the trust with the star player, and so now I think they can go forward together.”

— Albert Breer, NFL Insider

“If he has like eight sacks seven games into the season and the Raiders are 0 and seven, what do you think we're all going to be talking about?”

— Albert Breer, NFL Insider

What’s next

The Raiders will monitor Crosby's performance and the team's record early in the 2026 season. If Crosby plays well but the Raiders struggle, trade talks could resurface later in the year.

The takeaway

The Raiders' handling of the failed Crosby trade has helped rebuild trust, but his future in Las Vegas remains uncertain. A strong individual performance paired with poor team results could lead to a midseason trade, though the Raiders may be better off waiting to get more favorable terms.