Star AFC Edge Rusher To Be Heading To The Bills

Oct 20, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during pregame warmups before an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Bills are looking toward a pivotal offseason after falling short once again in the playoffs against the Kansas City Chiefs. The team clearly needs to focus on shoring up their edge rusher position, and a couple of names have surfaced as potential targets in the trade market.

One player generating buzz is Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, who has publicly expressed a desire for a change of scenery. While he could fit the Bills’ needs, the speculation suggests they may set their sights on another dominant edge rusher.

Enter Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders. He’s been a hot topic on trade rumors since mid-season, and as the Raiders head into a transformative phase, this move seems increasingly viable. Crosby has voiced his frustrations on his podcast, pinpointing the instability within the Raiders organization as a major reason behind his desire to leave. He lamented the “years of inconsistency,” highlighting the constant turnover of coaches and teammates that has hindered his experience in Las Vegas.

With the hiring of Pete Carroll as head coach, there’s been a glimmer of hope for a shift in culture, but it hasn’t changed the fact that the Raiders are gearing up for a rebuilding season. In this context, moving Crosby could benefit both him and the franchise. With an impressive career tally of 66 sacks, 423 pressures, and 222 tackles, Crosby is the type of player who could fetch significant draft capital for the Raiders—despite the impact his departure would have on their defense.

For the Bills, addressing the pass rush is paramount coming off the disappointing playoff performance, where their inability to pressure Patrick Mahomes proved costly. With an aging Von Miller nearing the end of his illustrious career, finding a reliable partner for Greg Rousseau is essential if they want to bolster their defense.

Crosby brings the perfect blend of skill and tenacity that would complement Rousseau, enhancing the Bills’ defensive front instantly. Acquiring Crosby would not only improve their pass rush but also help extend Buffalo’s championship window, solidifying a formidable edge-rushing duo that could reshape the team’s identity on defense for years to come.

As the Bills weigh their options, all eyes will be on how this offseason unfolds. A trade for Crosby could be the catalyst they need to elevate their aspirations and finally break through in the quest for a Super Bowl.