After trading Maxx Crosby, the Las Vegas Raiders face an urgent challenge to rebuild their defense before the 2026 NFL free agency begins. With Crosby gone, the team must find elite replacements at the edge rusher position to maintain pressure on opposing quarterbacks and shore up a defense lacking depth.
The Raiders currently have several roster gaps, particularly at defensive end, where only a few players have proven NFL consistency. Alongside young players like Charles Snowden and Tyree Wilson, the team will need significant reinforcements. Despite these challenges, they enter the offseason with 11 draft picks for 2026 and over $120 million in salary cap space to improve their defense, especially along the edge.
Top Edge Rushers Available in 2026 Free Agency
With a shallow market for elite pass rushers this offseason, the Raiders’ options are limited but notable. Here are three top free agent edge rushers they could pursue to replace Crosby’s impact on the defensive line.
Trey Hendrickson: Premier Pass Rusher with Proven Sack Ability
The Raiders would do well to target Trey Hendrickson, currently with the Cincinnati Bengals, who is 31 years old and projected to command a $25 million yearly average salary. Hendrickson ranks third in sacks league-wide since 2019, totaling 79 sacks—ten more than Crosby during the same period. He is widely regarded as an elite pass rusher, though his run defense has been inconsistent. The team could surround him with strong run defenders to balance his weaknesses, making his signing an attractive option to become a defensive centerpiece.
Haason Reddick: Veteran Edge with Experience and Pressure Capability
At 31 years old and projected at $5 million annually, Haason Reddick from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers remains a viable option for adding depth. Once among the top edge rushers, his recent performances with the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles have not matched earlier career peaks. Nonetheless, Reddick recorded 34 pressures, three sacks, and an 11.6% pass-rush win rate last season—numbers that suggest he can contribute meaningfully to help kickstart the Raiders’ defensive rebuild.
Joey Bosa: Highly Skilled Pass Rusher with Questions About Availability
Joey Bosa, age 30 and currently with the Buffalo Bills, is another potential target for the Raiders, with a projected $13 million per year deal. In 2025, Bosa exhibited exceptional pass-rushing ability, registering 47 pressures and five sacks. While his run defense remains less effective, surrounding him with complementary players could maximize his impact. The uncertainty centers on his availability in free agency next year, but if the Raiders can secure him, Bosa would significantly bolster their pass rush.
Additional Team Needs and Future Considerations
Beyond edge rushers, the Raiders may also require reinforcements at quarterback, despite their plans involving highly touted prospect Fernando Mendoza, who is projected as a top pick in the 2026 draft. The team’s rebuilding process on both sides of the ball highlights the pressing need to utilize their substantial draft capital and cap space effectively, balancing free agent acquisitions with strategic picks.
The decisions the Raiders make during the upcoming free agency period will have a profound effect on their defensive identity for years to come. Securing a dominant edge rusher is especially critical to replacing Maxx Crosby’s production and maintaining competitiveness in a tough AFC West division. With cap resources available, the upcoming offseason presents a crucial opportunity to address glaring defensive weaknesses.
