Bengals Legend Urges Cincinnati to Trade for 5-Time Pro Bowler

Former NFL offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth believes a blockbuster trade could turn the Bengals' fortunes around.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 8:31pm

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According to former Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth, the team should pursue a trade for Las Vegas Raiders star EDGE rusher Maxx Crosby. Whitworth believes Crosby's talent and leadership could be a game-changer for the struggling Bengals, who have had disappointing seasons in recent years.

Why it matters

The Bengals have faced issues with their pass rush, including contract disputes and injuries to key players like Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart. Acquiring a dominant EDGE rusher like Crosby could provide a much-needed boost to Cincinnati's defense and help the team return to contention.

The details

Whitworth, a Bengals legend, suggested the team should be willing to trade their 10th overall pick or other significant draft capital to acquire the 28-year-old Crosby, who has made five Pro Bowls and been named to the AP All-Pro team twice in his career. Crosby was the second-best EDGE rusher in the league last season according to PFSN's EDGE Impact Metric.

  • The Bengals finished the 2025 season with a 6-11 record, their worst in recent years.
  • Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart, the Bengals' top EDGE rushers, dealt with contract disputes and injuries throughout the 2025 season.

The players

Andrew Whitworth

A former offensive lineman for the Cincinnati Bengals and a Bengals legend.

Maxx Crosby

A 5-time Pro Bowl EDGE rusher for the Las Vegas Raiders who is considered one of the most valuable trade assets in the NFL.

Trey Hendrickson

A star EDGE rusher for the Bengals who dealt with contract disputes and injuries in 2025.

Shemar Stewart

A first-round draft pick by the Bengals in 2025 who was a boom-or-bust prospect and also dealt with contract disputes and injuries.

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What they’re saying

“If it's trading for Maxx Crosby, and something that can be, man, really needing picks. Obviously, that would be a lot of capital to try to figure out how that would work out.”

— Andrew Whitworth, Former Bengals Offensive Lineman

“Put the example in the room. Pay him the money, spend the draft pick, the 10th pick, send it if you have to. Put the example in the room.”

— Andrew Whitworth, Former Bengals Offensive Lineman

What’s next

The Bengals will need to determine if they are willing to part with significant draft capital, potentially including their 10th overall pick, to acquire Maxx Crosby from the Raiders.

The takeaway

Acquiring a dominant EDGE rusher like Maxx Crosby could be a game-changing move for the struggling Bengals, who have faced issues with their pass rush in recent seasons. However, it would come at a steep cost in terms of draft picks, which the Bengals will have to weigh carefully as they look to return to contention.