The Jacksonville Jaguars are making headlines as speculation arises about a potential trade for Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby. After a regular season where the Jaguars’ pass rush ranked a disappointing 27th in the league with only 32 sacks, the need for a stouter defensive presence has become glaringly evident. This shortcoming was underscored during their recent playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills, where they managed a single sack.
As the Jaguars prepare for the upcoming season, the management trio of general manager James Gladstone, coach Liam Coen, and executive vice president Tony Boselli appears poised to make significant changes. A move for Crosby could be the key to closing the gap between early playoff exits and competing for a Super Bowl title. At 29 years old, Crosby has made a name for himself, recording 69½ sacks in 110 regular-season games. Under contract until 2029, acquiring him could solidify the Jaguars’ defense and position them as pre-season favorites in the AFC South and serious contenders for the championship.
The Jaguars’ statistics reflect both promise and room for improvement. While they recorded the seventh-highest number of quarterback pressures in the league, their overall pressure rate stood at a mere 32.5%, indicating that while the defense created opportunities, they faltered against elite quarterbacks. In particular, Crosby’s addition would alleviate the burden on standout pass rusher Josh Hines-Allen, who accounted for nine of the team’s sacks. His need for assistance has become increasingly obvious, especially after defensive end Travon Walker struggled due to injuries.
For the Raiders, the question of whether to retain Crosby arises amidst their struggles, having faced numerous challenges over the last two decades, including frequent coaching changes and limited playoff success. The Raiders’ decision to hold Crosby out of the final two games this past season for a knee injury—despite his desire to play—has sparked speculation about his future prospects and the potential for a fresh start elsewhere.
The potential trade deal could involve multiple first-round draft picks and the promising Walker, who could be a valuable addition to the Raiders as they rebuild. Crosby’s recent contract extension, which includes a base salary structure, affords the Jaguars some flexibility in managing cap hits, further incentivizing a trade.
As both teams look to the future, the deal could represent a low-risk yet high-reward opportunity for the Jaguars, setting the stage for an optimistic 2026 season. With formidable opponents awaiting them, enhancing their pass rush is imperative for the Jaguars. The fanbase is hopeful that bold moves like this would signal a commitment to not just making the playoffs, but advancing deep into the postseason.