NFL trade rumours: The Detroit Lions or San Francisco 49ers are likely destinations for the $107 million star edge rusher who the Las Vegas Raiders could break ties with.

Maxx Crosby is one of the biggest names in the 2026 NFL offseason rumor cycle. There is growing league-wide belief that the Las Vegas Raiders are open to trading the star edge rusher, with the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions viewed as the most likely destinations.

Crosby is entering his age-28 season and remains one of the league’s top pass rushers. A trade would affect multiple teams at once. It would signal a clear rebuild in Las Vegas while giving a contender a proven defensive player.

Las Vegas Raiders Moving Toward a Reset

The Las Vegas Raiders finished the 2025 season at 3-14 and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year. They also hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft, pointing to a long-term roster build rather than a short-term push

Maxx Crosby’s contract is part of the equation. He is set to count about $30.7 million against the cap in 2026 and $35.5 million in 2027 when his three-year, $106.5 million extension begins. Trading him would leave roughly $5 million in dead money while creating significant cap space.

There has also been some friction. Crosby played through a knee injury in 2025 but was benched for the final two games and later placed on injured reserve, a decision he reportedly disagreed with. Even without a formal trade request, many around the league expect a split.

The expected asking price is at least one first-round pick, though some projections suggest two first-rounders. Las Vegas Raiders could also retain part of the salary or adjust the contract to help complete a deal.

Scenario A: Raiders-49ers.

Raiders receive:

• 2026 first-round pick (mid-round)

• 2027 second-round pick

• Conditional late-round pick tied to performance or a Super Bowl appearance

49ers receive:

• Maxx Crosby (ED, 28)

• Contract through 2029

San Francisco 49ers went 12-5 in 2025 and made a deep playoff run. Adding Crosby to a defensive front that includes Nick Bosa, Javon Hargrave, and Fred Warner would strengthen an already productive unit and support the team’s current championship window.

Scenario B: Raiders-Lions

Raiders receive:

• 2026 first-round pick (mid-round)

• 2027 second-round pick

• A young starter-level defender

Lions receive:

• Maxx Crosby

• Contract through 2029

Detroit Lions finished 9-8 in 2025 after going 15-2 the previous year. With Aidan Hutchinson returning from injury, Crosby would give the Lions a high-level edge pairing and address a defense that ranked in the bottom third of the league in sacks and pressure rate. The team could restructure the contract to spread the financial impact.

Impact on Each Team

Raiders: The move would create cap flexibility, add draft capital, and allow the franchise to build around a new core without carrying a large contract during a rebuild.

49ers: Crosby recorded 10 sacks and 73 tackles in 15 games in 2025. His arrival would improve the pass rush but require a major financial commitment and could affect depth.

Lions: Detroit would upgrade its defense immediately and improve its playoff chances. The risk is tighter cap space and increased pressure to win.

Pros and Cons of a Crosby Trade

Pros

• Raiders gain cap room and valuable picks.

• 49ers strengthen a defense built to compete now.

• Lions form a top edge duo with Hutchinson.

Cons

• Raiders lose a franchise-level player, which could affect fan interest.

• 49ers take on a large long-term contract.

• Lions may have less flexibility for other roster moves.

Stat Tables: Maxx Crosby’s Dominance

 

 

Market Angle and Overall Outlook

Maxx Crosby was born in Michigan in 2000, which could make Detroit a natural fit. His presence would likely help ticket sales and merchandise for whichever team acquires him.

If the trade is structured well, all sides could benefit. The Las Vegas Raiders would gain resources for their rebuild, while either the Lions or 49ers would add a player capable of changing games. Detroit could see faster results with a strong edge pairing, while San Francisco might view Crosby as a final piece for a Super Bowl push. The long-term outcome will depend on cap management, roster depth, and coaching.