Raiders' star defender Maxx Crosby could revitalize Tampa's faltering defense. Explore a potential blockbuster trade to reclaim their championship edge.
After a scorching hot 5-1 start to the season, the Bucs finished the year 3-8, ending their four-year reign as NFC South Champions.
Much of this stark change was due to lack of execution and the defense being unable to get crucial stops in the fourth quarter. Now, with Bucs legend linebacker Lavonte David mulling retirement, the defense may become even weaker.
Rumors have been flying around about Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby, who is seemingly finished in Las Vegas. Crosby signed a three-year, $109.5 million extension last March that made him the highest-paid pass rusher in the league until Micah Parsons broke the bank in August.
Crosby is definitely worth the paystub, ranking as the No. 14 highest graded edge rusher last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Crosby’s 46 defensive stops were tied for the second most among edge defenders, while his ten sacks led the team.
Tom Krasniqi, host of "The Drive w/ TKras" on 95. 7 WDAE and caller Jon Ledyard hypothesized what a possible trade for Crosby could look like on the show Tuesday afternoon.
In late January, former Super Bowl winning head coach Jon Gruden joined the show, telling Krasniqi that the Bucs should go after Crosby, calling him "the most impactful edge rusher in football."
Ledyard proposed a package centered around the Bucs' 2026 No. 15 overall draft pick. Tampa Bay would add an additional 2027 third round pick and right tackle Luke Goedeke.
Ledyard added that the Bucs have rookie offensive tackle Benjamin Chukwuma "waiting in the wings" to replace Goedeke on the line. Krasniqi seemed confident in Chukwuma's abilities, calling him a "diamond in the rough" with "a lot of untapped potential."
If acquired, Crosby would join a defensive line unit of Calijah Kancey, Vita Vea and Yaya Diaby, forming one of the most formidable groups in the NFC.
According to Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer, the Bucs have not been heavily involved with Crosby's availability, but defensive edge help is definitely a big need.
Thus far, the Chicago Bears have been Crosby's primary suitor, with their odds of landing Crosby jumping from +600 to -135 overnight Monday.
If Tampa Bay is serious about reversing its late-season slide, a move for Crosby would signal more than urgency - it would signal intent. Adding an elite, experienced pass rusher could be the catalyst that transforms the Bucs back into a division favorite.
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