The Las Vegas Raiders are almost finished with another lost season, but the off-season will provide plenty of questions to answer.
The Raiders are 3-12 after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16, and they will be hoping to win consecutive games for the first time this season against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
While the season as a whole has been disappointing, few have felt the frustration as much as superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
Crosby, who underwent season-ending ankle surgery before Week 15 against the Atlanta Falcons, has been the centerpiece of the Raiders defense for a considerable amount of time.
However, after venting about his frustrations with the team on his podcast, some have taken it as a sign that Crosby wants out.
Teams in need of a pass rusher will reach out to the Raiders to see what they can get, and one of those teams who would reach out is the Buffalo Bills.
“With Von Miller aging, trading for Crosby would give (Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg) Rousseau a viable pass rusher to help on the other side,” said The Wright Way Network’s Marissa Myers. “With the Bills being contenders as well, Crosby would enter a better winning culture and prolong the Bills Super Bowl window.”
The Bills have been one of the highest-flying teams in the NFL this season, lead by quarterback and MVP candidate Josh Allen. While the offense has continued to click, the defense has struggled at points due to injuries and inconsistent performance.
Bringing in Crosby would give the Bills a staunch defensive line with Rousseau and defensive tackle Ed Oliver. If the move pans out, the Bills would generate enough pressure on offenses to make up for any deficiencies in their own back end.
That being said, there is no guarantee this will come to pass.
First of all, Crosby has not indicated he is anywhere close to requesting a trade, as well as explicitly mentioning he will have conversations with the Raiders’ front office.
Secondly, the price to acquire Crosby would be steep for any team, much less one in the Raiders’ own conference. Any package coming back would have to include a first-round pick and a promising young player, at the very least.
Crosby’s comments may be getting blown out of proportion a bit, but it appears the trade rumors are returning once again.
Maxx Crosby’s recent comments paint unsettling picture for Raiders
