Franchise legend Chad Johnson urges star pass rusher Maxx Crosby to join the Cincinnati Bengals.
After missing the playoffs for a third straight year, the Cincinnati Bengals were determined to address one of the most persistent issues of the Joe Burrow era: the lack of consistent disruption from the interior defensive line. With Burrow leading a high-powered attack alongside stars like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Cincinnati has consistently proven it can score against the best teams in the league.
The defensive side of the ball, however, has often lagged behind. Over the past few seasons, the Bengals have struggled to generate consistent pressure without relying heavily on blitzes, placing additional strain on the secondary. Improving the defensive front has therefore become a major priority for the franchise as it attempts to maximize its Super Bowl window with Burrow under center.
That need has only become more apparent amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding star pass rusher Maxx Crosby. The All-Pro edge rusher was briefly expected to join the Baltimore Ravens after the Las Vegas Raiders agreed to trade him in exchange for two first-round picks. However, the deal ultimately fell apart after medical concerns emerged during Crosby’s physical, leaving the star defender once again at the center of trade speculation.
With Crosby potentially available again, one prominent former Bengal has already begun campaigning for Cincinnati to make a move.
Former Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson, one of the most iconic players in franchise history, took to social media to encourage the team to pursue the elite pass rusher. Johnson did not hold back in expressing how strongly he believes Crosby could elevate Cincinnati’s defense.
“Come on down here to Cincinnati man, we gonna take good care of you... Hell, you can have my goddamn knees, I don’t need them no more,” Johnson said on his podcast “Night Cap” with Shannon Sharpe.
Like Johnson, many Bengals fans believe Crosby could be the missing piece for a team that has failed to make its mark among the AFC’s elite.
Crosby has developed into one of the league’s most dominant edge rushers during his time with the Raiders. In seven seasons, he has had 278 solo tackles, 161 assists, 69.5 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries and one interception. Crosby has also made the Pro Bowl five times, and recorded a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2023.
While the Raiders failed to make the playoffs for the fourth straight season in 2025, Crosby had another strong campaign. He finished with 10 sacks, 73 tackles, two forced fumbles and six passes defended before being shut down late in the year due to a knee injury that later required meniscus surgery.