Tampa Bay Buccaneers Send Trade Offer for Maxx Crosby — One the Las Vegas Raiders Can’t Say No To
As the 2026 offseason unfolds, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are no longer approaching roster building with caution. The NFC remains wide open, expectations inside the building are rising, and one lesson from the 2025 season rang clear: when January arrives, elite quarterbacks must be answered with elite pressure.
Despite flashes from a young defensive front, Tampa Bay lacked a consistent, game-closing edge presence. The pass rush produced stretches of impact, but too often stalled against top-tier offenses late in games. With veteran leadership aging out and the defense transitioning, the Buccaneers know one dominant disruptor could change everything.
That reality has fueled internal discussion around a bold idea: pursuing Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders.
Crosby fits exactly what Tampa Bay covets. He is relentless, scheme-proof, and durable — an edge rusher who commands attention on every snap. At 28, with multiple years left on his contract, Crosby offers immediate impact without sacrificing the future. He’s the kind of defender who allows a coordinator to dictate terms rather than react.
Proposed Trade Framework
Buccaneers receive:
-
Maxx Crosby (EDGE)
Raiders receive:
-
2026 first-round pick (Buccaneers)
2027 first-round pick (Buccaneers)
2026 third-round pick
A veteran contributor (CB Jamel Dean or OL depth)
A young defensive prospect
For Las Vegas, this is the type of offer that forces a serious conversation. Two first-round picks provide the backbone of a reset, while veteran help offers immediate roster stability. It’s not just compensation — it’s clarity.
For Tampa Bay, the appeal is obvious. Pairing Crosby with a retooled front would instantly elevate a defense searching for an identity shift. A true alpha edge rusher shortens games, protects late leads, and takes pressure off a young secondary. In a conference without a dominant superpower, that swing could vault the Buccaneers back into contention.
The obstacle, as always, is the salary cap. Tampa Bay is navigating a delicate cap picture in 2026 while evaluating veteran contracts and future extensions. Adding Crosby’s cap hit would require calculated restructures and difficult choices — but not impossible ones for a front office accustomed to creative solutions.
League insiders note that Tampa Bay has historically preferred selective aggression over all-in gambles. But windows do not announce themselves. With leadership transitions underway and opportunity knocking, restraint may be the bigger risk.
The Raiders may resist moving their defensive cornerstone. Other teams may circle. But if the Buccaneers place a package like this on the table, the conversation shifts from whether Las Vegas wants to trade Crosby to whether they can realistically decline.
Because if Maxx Crosby ever lines up in pewter and red, the balance of power in the NFC could tilt — quickly and decisively.
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