Several NFL teams are expected to pursue help at edge rusher this offseason, and four franchises have been identified as potential trade suitors for Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby: the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions.

According to CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan, all four teams could explore a trade for Crosby as speculation surrounding his future in Las Vegas continues to grow.

Why These Teams Need Maxx Crosby

Dallas Cowboys
Dallas never truly replaced the production lost after trading Micah Parsons and remains in need of multiple impact pass rushers. The Cowboys reportedly inquired about Crosby before the trade deadline and own three first-round picks over the next two drafts, giving them the draft capital needed to make a major offer.

San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers finished the 2025 season with the fewest sacks in the NFL and need help opposite Joey Bosa, who is coming off a torn ACL. Adding Crosby would instantly upgrade a struggling pass rush, though San Francisco may hesitate to give up future draft assets while retooling the roster.

New England Patriots
New England has Harold Landry under contract, but K’Lavon Chaisson is headed for free agency after a career season. Even if he returns, the Patriots cannot rely on a repeat performance. With a wide-open Super Bowl window, the Patriots are expected to be aggressive in the trade market.

Detroit Lions
Detroit still has uncertainty opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Al-Quadin Muhammad recorded a career-high 11 sacks but is set to become a free agent. While pairing Crosby with Hutchinson would be ideal, Lions general manager Brad Holmes has shown little interest in making splash moves at edge rusher.

Why Maxx Crosby Could Be Traded

The Raiders are entering a rebuilding phase, likely selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. That timeline does not align with Crosby’s prime years.

Crosby also ended the season frustrated after being shut down early despite wanting to play. Although that decision came under former head coach Pete Carroll, the situation has fueled renewed trade speculation.

Crosby still has four years remaining on his $106.5 million contract, but Las Vegas may consider moving him for draft capital as it begins a full rebuild around a rookie quarterback.

Most Likely Landing Spot

Among the four teams, the Cowboys appear to be the most likely destination due to their defensive needs and available draft picks. The Patriots rank second, given their aggressive posture and championship aspirations.

The 49ers are viewed as a long shot due to their desire to conserve draft assets, while the Lions are considered the least likely landing spot based on their past reluctance to invest heavily in edge rushers.

One important factor is that the Raiders reportedly respect Crosby enough to allow him some say in where he is traded, assuming offers are comparable. If that scenario plays out, Crosby may prefer to join Mike Vrabel and the Patriots, where he would have a strong chance to compete for a Super Bowl in 2026.