If Crosby can pass a physical without issue, renewed interest from across the league could resurface. While the Raiders likely won’t receive two pristine first-round picks in a straight swap, they could pursue a package that matches significant value, potentially involving multiple teams to create an appealing deal for all sides.
One proposed avenue involves a three-team trade that would include the Dallas Cowboys and the Tennessee Titans. Under this scenario, Las Vegas would receive the Cowboys’ 2027 first-round pick, the Cowboys’ 2027 fifth-round pick, the Titans’ 2027 second-round pick, and Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor. In return, Dallas would acquire Crosby along with wide receiver Calvin Ridley, while Tennessee would obtain wide receiver George Pickens.
Complicating the situation for the Raiders was a previous attempted deal with Baltimore for Crosby. That trade fell through after medical concerns emerged during the physical, leaving Crosby still in Las Vegas and under contract through 2029. Despite that setback, a well-structured three-team trade could present a path to meaningful assets for Las Vegas, and it remains a topic of discussion as teams weigh their options for the near and far future.
Why this kind of deal could be attractive for the Cowboys and Titans
– Dallas would be trading away a quarterback-friendly blend of picks and a young receiver in Pickens, and would receive Crosby to bolster the pass rush and Ridley to add veteran playmaking to the receiving corps. For Dallas, Pickens’ value as an attainable franchise-tagged asset could be redirected to Tennessee to help the team build around a young quarterback while balancing salary considerations.
– Tennessee would benefit from adding Pickens, who would join Wan’Dale Robinson and a rookie like Carnell Tate to give quarterback Cam Ward a more robust and dynamic pass-catching group. The Titans would also shed Ayomanor’s rookie contract and a veteran contract for Ridley, using their ample salary cap space to pursue a longer-term deal for Pickens and strengthen the offense around their young quarterback.
Would the Raiders accept this deal?
Even if it isn’t the maximum two first-round picks the team initially targeted, the proposed package would still provide substantial future value. Ayomanor, a 23-year-old rising talent, would bring depth at wide receiver and potential for development behind a core group. The inclusion of a 2027 first-round pick and additional selections would offer the Raiders flexibility to retool the roster, address multiple needs, and maintain a strong draft capital position for future cycles.
In today’s NFL landscape, teams frequently explore multi-team deals to extract maximum value when star players become expensive or when there’s a compelling longer-term plan. For Las Vegas, the priority is to balance immediate competitive viability with sustainable roster-building. For the Cowboys and Titans, the lure lies in upgrading at a key position group while also retooling salaries and extending the timeline of their rookie contracts and cap flexibility.
As talks evolve, the Raiders’ stance will hinge on how the market responds once Crosby clears any medical hurdles and is deemed physically ready. If teams perceive him as a proven, elite-edge presence with multiple prime years left, the trade market could gain momentum and lead to offers that align with the team’s longer-term objectives.
Key considerations for fans and analysts
– Crosby’s value at this stage is tied not only to his production but also to his relative durability and leadership on the defensive front. Any trade package will be evaluated against how it strengthens Las Vegas’s cap situation, draft capital, and the overall trajectory of the defense.
– The potential trade would involve evaluating the long-term impact on the pass rush, edge depth, and the ability to build a complementary front seven. Clubs seeking to optimize their defense around a veteran anchor would need to weigh Crosby’s immediate impact versus the cost of acquisitions and the opportunity cost of other draft assets.
– Draft capital in 2027 and the inclusion of young receivers like Ayomanor or Pickens would shape the Raiders’ and the receiving corps’ development for years to come. Teams must assess not only next-season readiness but also the potential for growth in the subsequent seasons.
Overall, while there’s no certainty of a deal in the near term, the possibility of a multi-team trade featuring Maxx Crosby remains an active topic in NFL conversations. The Raiders will undoubtedly weigh all options to ensure they secure value that aligns with their long-term plans, while the Cowboys and Titans look to strengthen complementary facets of their rosters around young quarterbacks and emerging playmakers.
