Maxx Crosby will either be a retired NFL player or a former Raiders defensive end in 2026. T

he rumors are swirling that Crosby has played his last down edge rushing for Las Vegas and will be moved in a blockbuster offseason trade.

Given the five-time Pro Bowler’s durability, relentlessness and consistent elite production as a pass rusher and run stopper, he will have no shortage of suitors willing to give up and pay plenty to get him to change the game on defense.

Here is a breakdown of the five top landing spots for Crosby:

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Maxx Crosby’s 5 best trade fits1. Tennessee Titans

Crosby ending up in “Nashvegas” would be huge for the first season under defensive-minded coach Robert Saleh. Crosby would crush it at end in Saleh’s 4-3 scheme as his new Nick Bosa. Tennessee is also sitting on a league-high $100-million plus in salary-cap space and can offer the Raiders the No. 4 overall pick to help presumed No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.

Contending teams have been most buzzed for Crosby, but he is that good to vastly improve the Titans‘ defense and give them a chance to be much better overall with a expected second-year jump for QB Cam Ward on the other side of the ball.

2. Washington Commanders

The Commanders run a similar defense to the Titans with Dan Quinn as their head coach. They need to boost their pass rush as well and can sell Crosby on the fact they can return to NFC playoff contention with him and a healthy Jayden Daniels after a rough 2025.

Washington holds the No. 7 overall draft pick and has more than $75 million in cap space for 2026. The Commanders need an injection of energy and Crosby is still in his youthful dominant prime at 28.

MORE: Sporting News’ latest mock draft with order finalized

3. Seattle Seahawks

The Super Bowl 60 champions were already devastating pressuring quarterbacks through Drake Maye in their final game with a pass rush by committee. Now imagine Crosby ripping off the edge for Mike Macdonald’s defense as Seattle looks to repeat. The Seahawks will be judicial about which free agents they keep and end Boye Mafe is a good candidate to cash in elsewhere. 

Seattle has more than $70 million in cap space and can also offer the Raiders the No. 32 overall pick along with future considerations in a big splurge toward trying to run it back.

4. New England Patriots

The Patriots were aggressive spending fo their defense in the 2025 offeason, led by defensive tackle Milton Williams. Harold Landry is a solid edge player, but he would be more effective getting after quarterbacks with an ace bookend to draw more blocking attention. The thought of a 6-5, 255-pound versatile rusher working for Mike Vrabel is downright scary.

The reigning AFC champions have more than $40 million under the cap thanks to Maye still being on his rookie contract and this would be their way of going all in to displace the Seahawks.

5. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers are a sleeper to make a big move and pair Crosby with Bosa to give them the most dominant end pass rush in the game, assuming Bosa comes back strong again from his torn ACL. They have proved they are willing to make some aggressive moves with GM John Lynch to maintain their edge (no pun intended) as an NFC playoff contender.

San Francisco has more than $40 million under the cap and sits on the No. 27 overall draft pick. Crosby would be a great get for new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris in the attempt to re-establish the defense as a healthy strength in 2026.

Dallas, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Buffalo are more playoff heavies rumored to be in the Crosby sweepstakes. But the five teams above are much better positioned to make the trade and afford a Crosby extension.