Breaking News: Colts Shock the NFL by Going All-In on a Blockbuster Trade for Maxx Crosby with the Las Vegas Raiders — A Deal the Raiders Can’t Refuse

Indianapolis, Indiana – January 16, 2026

The Indianapolis Colts have emerged from a season of growth and renewed belief, but inside the organization, the mindset is clear: Indianapolis doesn’t want to stop at being competitive. According to multiple league sources, the Colts are preparing to go all-in in pursuit of a transformational defensive star — Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders.

After taking tangible steps forward in 2025, the Colts believe the path from playoff hopeful to true Super Bowl contender requires a dominant edge presence capable of changing games on his own. Crosby, long regarded as one of the NFL’s most relentless pass rushers, is viewed internally as that missing piece.

Crosby has been heavily linked to trade speculation following a turbulent season in Las Vegas, and Indianapolis has quietly positioned itself as one of the most aggressive suitors. The Colts’ defense has shown flashes, but a consistent, elite-level pressure generator has been absent in defining moments — something Crosby would instantly provide.

From a draft-capital standpoint, Indianapolis does not hold a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, the Colts do possess one second-round pick and three third-round selections. The framework circulating around league circles involves a second-round pick plus two third-round picks as the foundation of the offer. For the Raiders, that equates to three top-100 selections, a substantial return that aligns with a franchise continuing to reshape its long-term future.

Crosby will turn 29 at the start of the season and is coming off a 2025 campaign that included 10 sacks. While he may no longer command the historic trade value of a prime-era Khalil Mack, league executives still view Crosby as a high-impact defender whose motor, durability, and pressure rate remain elite. For Indianapolis, the move would represent a calculated bet on maximizing a championship window that is beginning to open.

Inside the Colts’ locker room, sources say the possibility of adding Crosby has generated genuine excitement. Team leaders believe his presence would force opposing offenses to alter protections, create more one-on-one opportunities for others, and dramatically elevate the defense in high-leverage situations — especially in January football.

From a strategic perspective, the move reflects a shift in identity. Rather than waiting patiently for internal development alone, the Colts appear ready to accelerate the timeline by adding a proven star with playoff-tested experience.

The conclusion is straightforward: if the two sides find common ground, this trade shapes up as a win-win scenario. The Colts acquire a premier edge rusher to push them into the AFC’s top tier, while the Raiders gain valuable draft assets to continue building toward their next era.

If finalized, it would signal that Indianapolis is no longer content chasing relevance — the Colts would be chasing championships.