Interest surrounding Las Vegas Raiders’ edge rusher Maxx Crosby continues to build as several teams aiming for success in the 2026 NFL season openly express a desire to add him to their rosters. Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins recently vocalized their preference to see Crosby join their team, increasing speculation around a potential trade involving the standout pass rusher.
When asked about the player he would like to see the Bengals acquire, Chase enthusiastically named Crosby during the February 4 episode of Up & Adams.
I want to go with your boy from Vegas, though, Maxx Crosby… He’s a dog. I like Maxx Crosby.
Chase’s endorsement was further supported by Higgins, who said,
I like Maxx Crosby,
signaling consistent admiration from key Bengals players. Host Kay Adams also weighed in, suggesting a trade to Cincinnati was plausible, stating,
I could see him in Cincy; come get a ring with my boy.
Insiders Provide Updates on Maxx Crosby Trade Developments
NFL insider Jay Glazer of FOX Sports provided additional insight into Crosby’s trade prospects, stating that the player might be available during the upcoming offseason. Speaking with Yahoo Sports, Glazer criticized the Raiders’ decision to shut down Crosby during the previous season and revealed substantial league-wide interest once the news broke.
Glazer recalled,
There’s a couple guys. They tell you they’re playing, they’re playing.
When asked if Crosby’s time in Las Vegas was ending, Glazer confirmed, explaining that on the very day of Crosby’s shutdown, he fielded calls from over 20 teams inquiring about acquiring the pass rusher. He also emphasized that Crosby’s choice, not the Raiders’, is driving the situation. Glazer reported,
They [Raiders] don’t want to do it. But he was just like, ‘I’m not going through another rebuild.’
Additionally, reporter Dianna Russini of The Athletic shared during a February 4 appearance on “Zolak & Bertrand” that Crosby harbors interest in playing for New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel in the future. Russini noted,
As for this upcoming offseason, outside just free agency, the thing that I’m going to be watching are these players that perhaps want trades. That’s what I want to see. Maxx Crosby doesn’t seem too happy in Las Vegas. Is he going to ask for one officially and ask out? Is that a guy? I can tell you, I know he wants to play for Mike Vrabel. He’s told me before.
Raiders Remain in Strong Position Regardless of Crosby’s Future
Despite the swirling trade rumors, Yahoo! Sports analyst Jason Fitz believes the Raiders hold an advantageous position whether they decide to trade Crosby or retain him. Speaking with Caroline Fenton on the February 3 edition of Yahoo Sports Daily, Fitz underscored Crosby’s value both on the field and in the locker room, while acknowledging the player’s desire to compete for championships elsewhere.
Fitz explained,
We know he’s a great player, and obviously, he’s great for the locker room. If he wants out [and] if the Las Vegas Raiders decide that this is a long-term rebuild, I also think that’s healthy. I want Maxx to go wherever Maxx is happy. If Maxx needs to go somewhere else to win a bunch of games and win a Super Bowl, and the Raiders get a haul of picks in return, sure…
He added,
I would just implore everybody that wants something for Maxx or for the Raiders here to understand that I think for the first time ever, it’s win-win. It’s win-win for the team. It’s win-win for Maxx. Whatever Maxx wants, I think the team will honor and respect.
Implications for the NFL Landscape and the Bengals
The growing speculation surrounding a Maxx Crosby trade highlights how critical this offseason could be for the Raiders and potential suitors such as the Cincinnati Bengals. With key Bengals figures like Chase and Higgins openly advocating for Crosby’s addition, the franchise appears poised to pursue the veteran edge rusher aggressively. Meanwhile, the Raiders face a pivotal decision between accelerating their rebuild through draft capital or retaining a proven defensive asset.
If the Bengals succeed in acquiring Crosby, it could significantly bolster their defensive front, enhancing their prospects of competing for a Super Bowl in the near future. Conversely, if the Raiders keep Crosby, his leadership and on-field excellence will remain integral as they strive to build a competitive roster. This dynamic situation will remain a focal point for NFL fans and analysts as the offseason unfolds.
Maxx Crosby to the Bengals!?
Ja'Marr Tees it up.@UpAndAdamsShow pic.twitter.com/Xv1fw6dyJW
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) February 4, 2026
Maxx Crosby's time with the Raiders is most likely DONE, per @JayGlazer 👀
What kind of haul would the five-time Pro Bowler get in the trade market? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/FK1EkdKXRd
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 4, 2026
Diana Russini just said on @ZoandBertrand that Maxx Crosby wants to play for Mike Vrabel.
“He’s told me.” pic.twitter.com/Dd8OZ66neq
— Mark Dondero (@MarkDondero) February 4, 2026
Russini: Maxx Crosby Wants to Play for Vrabel@zoandbertrand #sponsored #kecheslawpartner pic.twitter.com/NdsO4hIusf
— 98.5 The Sports Hub (@985TheSportsHub) February 4, 2026
