Even with Maxx Crosby still on the roster, the Las Vegas Raiders have a need at pass rusher. Malcolm Koonce is a free agent, and even if he did re-sign, he wasn’t an impact player last season.
Trading Crosby would only make the need that much greater. There are strong pass rusher prospects at the top of the draft, but the Raiders are expected to use their first-round pick on a quarterback.
If the team trades Crosby, they’ll likely get additional first-round picks to address the pass rusher need, but they should look to add a veteran in free agency. There aren’t elite options available, but the team could target a solid veteran.
Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher Jaelan Phillips only had 5.0 sacks last season, but he has 28.0 over his career. With the Raiders switching to a 3-4 defense, Phillips would be a perfect outside linebacker for them to add. Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report is urging Las Vegas to sign the veteran.
“Maxx Crosby is the only real asset on the defensive line and it doesn’t feel like he’s guaranteed to be around,” Ballentine wrote. “They should make a run at Jaelan Phillips in free agency with an eye on second-round edge prospects like Gabe Jacas and Derrick Moore.”
Phillips Named Second-Best Free Agent
Considering the lack of high-end defensive talent in this free agent class, Phillips is going to get a big contract. In Gregg Rosenthal’s free agent rankings for NFL.com, he has Phillips ranked as the second-best player in the entire group.
“No NFL player made himself more money in 2025,” Rosenthal wrote. “After dealing with devastating injuries in back-to-back seasons, Phillips was excellent in Miami, then helped transform the Eagles defense with his complete arsenal. His best should still be ahead of him.”
There’s likely going to be a lot of interest around the NFL for Phillips. Luckily, the Raiders have a lot of salary cap space, so they can afford to pay him a premium. It’s worth noting that new defensive coordinator Rob Leonard coached Phillips when they were both with the Miami Dolphins in 2021.
The Athletic Also Has Phillips Ranked No. 2
Rosenthal isn’t the only analyst who thinks highly of Phillips. The Athletic’s Daniel Popper has him ranked as the second-best player in free agency.
“Phillips is a young, ascending edge rusher who finished fourth in pressure rate last season among players with at least 250 pass-rush snaps,” Popper wrote. “He was traded from the Dolphins to the Eagles at the deadline for a third-round pick, and he had an immediate impact on the Philadelphia front.
“He is an explosive athlete with a violent play style. He has short-area burst as a rusher, particularly when he drives to the inside on swim moves. He is a physical edge setter in the run game who can dominate tight ends in one-on-one situations. Phillips also has real coverage ability, which can allow defensive coordinators to get creative with their blitz and simulated pressure calls.”
If the Raiders keep Crosby, then they can have Phillips be a high-end running mate. If they trade him, then they have someone who could potentially be a No. 1 pass rusher. He’d be a smart player to add.
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