They had been building toward a blockbuster pass-rush acquisition all offseason, and as NFL Network's Tom Pelissero revealed on The Rich Eisen Show this week, Maxx Crosby was a significant part of that conversation before the Garrett deal ultimately came together.
"Myles Garrett was not the first pass rusher that they pursued in this offseason," Pelissero said. "They had eyes on players, whether it was via free agency, whether it was via trade. There may have been a scenario somewhere along the line where Maxx Crosby could have been the player who ended up with the Rams instead."
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer added further historical context, revealing the Rams made a similar offer to the Las Vegas Raiders back in the 2022 trade deadline period, a package worth roughly two first-round picks, that Las Vegas declined.
The Timeline
The Raiders agreed to trade Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in March for a 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round pick, what would have been the first trade in Ravens franchise history involving a first-round pick for a player.
The deal fell apart during Crosby's physical, when team doctors in Baltimore identified a degenerative knee issue that raised concerns about his long-term durability.
Crosby addressed the failed Ravens deal recently: "It's water under the bridge," he told reporters.
Bleacher Report proposed a trade idea:
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) June 3, 2026
49ers receive:
Maxx Crosby
Raiders receive:
2027 first-round pick
2027 second-round pick
2028 third-round pick
This seems like a no-brainer trade to me
via: @49erswebzone pic.twitter.com/EY2r2RWT4K
He returned to Las Vegas, where head coach Klint Kubiak said Crosby will remain on the team for the 2026 season.
But with the Raiders still rebuilding around first overall pick Fernando Mendoza and the Rams now carrying both Garrett and Jared Verse on their defensive front, a different trade partner will need to emerge if Las Vegas ever does decide to move him.
What the Market Looks Like Now
Multiple analysts have pointed to the 49ers, Cowboys, and Chargers as teams that could make sense if Crosby becomes available in-season.
🚨🚨#49ers are expected to inquire about #Raiders Maxx Crosby when fully healthy #raidernation pic.twitter.com/DPmGkHBlyE
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) June 6, 2026
The Raiders' two first-round picks from Baltimore and their original selection give Las Vegas the draft capital to proceed with the rebuild without Crosby.
Whether Kubiak sticks with his stated position of keeping him through 2026 or the front office eventually decides the right offer changes the plan is the question that will hover over Las Vegas's season.
Photo Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
