There have been some massive names on the move this offseason, but one who ended up staying put was Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders. That’s despite a trade with the Baltimore Ravens, which was reversed after a failed physical. It turns out that’s also despite the Cincinnati Bengals‘ best efforts to land Crosby.
Tony Pauline, writing for Essentially Sports, reported that the Bengals explored trading the No. 10 overall pick to the Raiders for Crosby. The would-be bombshell trade never came together, though, as the Bengals weren’t willing to give up two first-round picks like the Ravens had been willing to do.
“Sources tell me that long before the Cincinnati Bengals surrendered the 10th pick of the draft to the New York Giants for Dexter Lawrence, the team discussed trading that selection to the Las Vegas Raiders for Maxx Crosby,” Pauline wrote. “But the Bengals were unwilling to match the pair of first-round picks the Baltimore Ravens initially sent to Vegas for Crosby before a failed physical nixed the deal.”
The Bengals, of course, would end up dealing the No. 10 overall pick for Dexter Lawrence. So, it’s pretty clear that they were determined to flip it for a more proven defensive lineman than the NFL Draft could offer.
It’s Been a Long Offseason for Maxx Crosby
GettyLas Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby
Coming into the offseason, the expectation was that the Raiders would be moving on from Maxx Crosby. That seemed to come to fruition when he was dealt to the Ravens on March 7th for their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks.
Then, things got strange, with Crosby failing his physical three days later. That caused Baltimore to quickly back out of the agreement and saw Crosby return to Las Vegas.
Since then, the Raiders haven’t found a trade partner for Crosby, despite seeming to want to deal him. That could come down to the asking price. In particular, as Pauline noted, because the Raiders still want two first-round picks despite the failed physical. That’s a price that was too steep for the Bengals, at least.
When the trade fell through, the Ravens would ironically pivot to Trey Hendrickson. He would sign a four-year, $112 million contract with $60 million guaranteed, not to mention a $20 million signing bonus in March. In the process, Hendrickson’s move left a major gap on the Cincinnati line.
The Bengals Were Able to Pivot from Maxx Crosby to Dexter Lawrence
GettyFormer New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence trying to make a play during an NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
After the Raiders decided not to trade Maxx Crosby to the Bengals, Cincinnati was able to pivot. Instead, they’d land Dexter Lawrence, an interior defensive lineman, in a trade from the Giants.
There are a few notable differences between Crosby and Lawrence. In particular, Crosby is an edge rusher known for his pass rush, while Lawrence plays on the inside, stuffing the run. Both have thrived in their respective roles, though, and both filled needs for the Bengals.
The price is also considerably different. The Bengals could get the Lawrence trade done for one first-round pick, not the two required to land Crosby.
Now, the Bengals will look to find a new way to address the edge rusher spot. Part of that will come through development for players like Shemar Stewart. Another part is going to come down to how Cincinnati handles the draft, starting the second round now.
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