Lead
The Las Vegas Raiders have put a steep price on edge rusher Maxx Crosby in ongoing trade discussions, according to a recent NBC Sports report. Per league channels, the team is asking for two first-round draft picks plus an additional player in return for the 28-year-old defensive end. The demand mirrors the package the Dallas Cowboys sent for Micah Parsons in August, where two firsts and a veteran lineman changed hands. The report frames Crosby as tradable if a suitor meets that asking price.
Key Takeaways
- The Raiders are reportedly seeking two first-round picks and a player in exchange for Maxx Crosby, age 28.
- The requested package matches the cost paid for Micah Parsons in August: two first-rounders plus defensive lineman Kenny Clark.
- The identity and caliber of the additional player the Raiders want were not specified; the team likely expects a starter-caliber contributor.
- Pick placement matters: two first-rounders from a playoff team carry far less draft value than two from high lottery positions.
- The report indicates Crosby is not considered untradeable; a deal could occur if an offer satisfies Las Vegas’ valuation.
Background
Maxx Crosby has been a prominent presence on the Raiders’ defensive front and is widely regarded around the league for his production and on-field intensity. Trade conversations about high-performing edge rushers have picked up since the NFL’s trade market clarified values with the Micah Parsons exchange in August. Teams with championship ambitions often weigh the immediate upgrade a star edge rusher brings against the long-term cost of premium draft capital.
The Raiders’ roster construction and draft philosophy will shape how front offices approach any offer. Contending franchises with deep draft capital and a short window to win are likelier to consider surrendering multiple first-rounders and a roster player. Conversely, clubs prioritizing rebuilds generally retain early picks, which reduces their ability to meet a two-firsts ask.
Main Event
The core report says Las Vegas set its terms: two first-round selections plus a player for Crosby. The sourcing is described as league-level information relayed to NBC Sports; the team has not publicly outlined a firm trade price. The comparison to the Cowboys–Parsons exchange is central to how pundits interpret Las Vegas’ stance: that trade established a recent benchmark for elite edge talent.
Details about which positional player the Raiders would accept were not provided. Observers infer the team expects a starting-caliber piece—likely someone who can contribute immediately on defense—rather than a developmental asset. Likewise, the report emphasizes that the draft slot of those first-round picks will heavily influence negotiations.
From the Raiders’ perspective, the package would replenish draft capital while potentially adding a known contributor. From a suitor’s view, surrendering two firsts and a player signals a major commitment and narrows roster flexibility for multiple seasons. The sides will need to bridge differing valuations of Crosby’s current impact and projected future performance.
Analysis & Implications
If Las Vegas holds firm on two first-rounders plus a player, the market will likely bifurcate. Contenders with surplus late first-round picks or multiple firsts could engage, but teams with only a single early pick face a steep choice between present gain and future depth. The trade market for edge rushers tends to reward immediate production; teams prioritizing a short championship window often overpay in draft capital.
Matching the Parsons precedent matters materially. Parsons’ trade reset expectations for elite defensive talent, and teams now reference that deal when valuing comparable players. However, comparability is imperfect: positional fit, contract status, age and injury history all factor into a buyer’s willingness to replicate that price. The Raiders’ leverage depends on Crosby’s health, contract situation and how much playoff contenders value an established pass rusher this offseason.
Financial and roster effects are also relevant. Moving Crosby would free a locker-room focal point and could alter defensive planning; acquiring two first-rounders would create opportunities to restock or trade up. For a team surrendering picks and a player, the move would be a short-term win-now play that risks long-term depth. League-wide, another blockbuster trade for an edge player would continue the trend of premium compensation for top defenders.
Comparison & Data
| Trade Subject | Reported Cost | Notable Received Asset |
|---|---|---|
| Maxx Crosby (reported ask) | Two first-round picks + a player | Player unspecified (expected starter-caliber) |
| Micah Parsons (actual, August) | Two first-round picks + a player | Kenny Clark (defensive lineman) |
The table highlights that Las Vegas’ reported asking price aligns with the Parsons precedent, but the tangible player received in the Parsons deal (Kenny Clark) clarifies the type of veteran piece a trading team might expect to include. The draft-slot quality of the two first-rounders remains the decisive variable in valuing either package.
Reactions & Quotes
“There’s clearly a price on Crosby — the Raiders want meaningful returnable capital.”
League source (via NBC Sports)
That line captures how agents and front offices are describing the reported demand. It underscores that Las Vegas views Crosby as an asset that should command premium compensation.
“Matching the Parsons market sets a high-water mark that will shape any bidding process.”
Trade analyst (industry commentary)
Analysts note that market-setting trades establish benchmarks. If multiple clubs value the pass rush upgrade, the asking price could hold; otherwise, Las Vegas may have to recalibrate.
Unconfirmed
- The identity and exact quality of the additional player the Raiders would accept remain unspecified and unverified.
- The precise positions (slot in the draft order) of the two first-round picks being sought have not been disclosed.
- It is unconfirmed whether Las Vegas would accept fewer assets or a different structure in ongoing negotiations.
Bottom Line
The report signals that the Raiders value Maxx Crosby highly and are open to trading him if a team meets a steep asking price: two first-rounders plus a player. That posture mirrors the market signal set by the Micah Parsons transaction, which now functions as a reference point for elite defensive talent.
Whether a deal materializes will hinge on which teams are willing and able to sacrifice significant draft capital and a roster player for immediate pass-rush improvement. Watch for the draft-slot quality of any involved first-rounders and for confirmation on the identity of the player included; those details will determine whether the reported ask is realistic or a starting negotiation position.