Raiders may sell Maxx Crosby at NFL trade deadline

Las Vegas Raiders fans face a potential shift in their roster composition as the November 10 trade deadline approaches. The team's recent slide from a 3-0 start to a 3-4 record has intensified internal debate over whether to move pass rusher Maxx Crosby. General Manager John Spytek must determine if the current market value justifies selling a cornerstone defender during a season of rebuilding.

The situation stems from a failed transaction earlier this year. The Baltimore Ravens initially agreed to trade two first-round picks for Crosby but withdrew after an in-person physical revealed a concerning issue. That cancellation left Crosby in Las Vegas, where he has maintained elite production. He currently leads the league with 136 career tackles for loss since entering the NFL in 2019 and ranks second in pressures this season with 25.

Senior NFL writer Pete Prisco argued on CBS Sports HQ that the Raiders should pursue a trade to accumulate draft capital for future quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Prisco suggested that Vegas might only command a first-round pick and a fourth-round pick in the current market, a return significantly lower than the two first-rounders requested by Baltimore in the spring.

Four teams appear positioned to acquire Crosby if Las Vegas decides to sell. The Chicago Bears, currently 5-2, have a pass rush depleted by injuries and suspensions. Cornerback Kyler Gordon leads the team with four sacks while Montez Sweat sits out two games for a performance-enhancing drug violation and Dayo Odeyingbo is out with a quadriceps injury.

The Detroit Lions offer a hometown connection for Crosby, who grew up in Michigan. Although the Lions lead the league in sacks with 21, their defense allows 391.0 yards per game. Pairing Crosby with Aidan Hutchinson could solidify their standing in the NFC North.

The Dallas Cowboys rank third-worst in total yards allowed per game at 382.5 and are tied for fourth-worst in sacks with eight. Owner Jerry Jones might make an aggressive move to bolster a unit that already acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from Pittsburgh.

The Buffalo Bills present a more speculative target. Under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, the team has won four games but allowed at least 30 points in every victory. Pairing Crosby with Greg Rousseau and Deone Walker would address a unit that ranked last in points per drive allowed through Week 6.