The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be closing in on a major addition to their defense as reports suggest Maxx Crosby informed Tom Brady, a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, that he does not plan to return to the team in 2026. This revelation was shared by Jason La Canfora through ProFootballTalk and comes from an unnamed general manager, stirring considerable speculation around Crosby’s future. Known for being the cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense, Crosby has maintained an impressive career since his rookie year in 2019, when he recorded 10 sacks.
At 28 years old, Crosby has consistently performed at a high level, averaging 10.7 sacks per season over seven years and establishing himself as one of the premier edge rushers of this era.
Challenges and Possibilities Surrounding a Buccaneers Trade for Crosby
Although Crosby’s desire to leave Vegas hints at a potential trade, executing such a move will not be straightforward. He is under a hefty three-year contract worth $106 million that runs through 2029, making an outright departure without a trade highly unlikely. Should the Buccaneers manage to secure Crosby, his arrival would significantly bolster their pass rush, which ranked 19th in sacks per game during the 2025 season—markedly worse than their previous six years of consistent top-12 performances.
This drop in defensive pressure resulted in part from Logan Hall’s regression and an injury to Calijah Kancey, two critical contributors who underperformed last season. The combined impact contributed to an 11.5 sack decrease from the prior year, highlighting the urgency to improve this area.
Still, even with a trade request from Crosby, a deal is not guaranteed. Similar situations have played out in the NFL, such as Myles Garrett’s 2025 trade request after eight seasons with Cleveland, which did not result in a move. Instead, Garrett achieved defensive player of the year honors and set a new single-season sack record.
What a Successful Acquisition Could Mean for Tampa Bay
Any trade for Crosby would likely demand significant compensation, possibly comparable to the high-profile Sauce Gardner trade from the previous deadline. Despite the complexity, Buccaneers fans have reasons for cautious optimism as news about Crosby’s intentions brings the franchise closer to realizing a key offseason target.
If General Manager Jason Licht and his team succeed, Crosby’s impact would be felt instantly, energizing Tampa Bay’s defense and sparking excitement throughout the community.
“No. 98 jerseys would immediately flood the streets of Tampa Bay, and joyful chaos would rightfully ensue,”
signaling how transformative this acquisition could be for the team’s future.
