Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – January 16, 2026
The Philadelphia Eagles are sending a thunderous message across the NFL: the window is still open, and Philadelphia has no intention of letting it close quietly. According to multiple league sources, the Eagles are preparing to go all-in on a blockbuster trade for Maxx Crosby, the relentless defensive star of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Fresh off a disappointing 23–19 playoff loss that ended their Super Bowl title defense, the Eagles’ front office believes standing pat is not an option. While Philadelphia remains loaded with talent, internal evaluations reportedly concluded that the defense needs a true game-wrecking edge presence to return to championship form. Crosby is viewed as that missing force.
Crosby’s name has circulated heavily in trade discussions following a turbulent 2025 season in Las Vegas. Despite organizational instability around him, Crosby remained productive and relentless, finishing the year with 10 sacks and maintaining one of the league’s highest pressure rates. To Eagles decision-makers, he represents the exact tone-setter their defense needs — physical, relentless, and playoff-proven.
From a draft-capital perspective, Philadelphia does not currently own a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, the Eagles do hold one second-round pick and multiple third-round selections. The framework being discussed around the league centers on a second-round pick plus two third-round picks as the foundation of the offer. For the Raiders, that package equals three top-100 draft assets, a return that fits squarely within a long-term reset.
Crosby will turn 29 years old as the season begins — an age where elite edge rushers can still dominate, even if they no longer command historic, record-setting trade hauls. League executives widely agree that while Crosby may not fetch “prime Khalil Mack” compensation, his value remains substantial given his durability, motor, and ability to tilt protections every snap.
Inside the Eagles’ building, the belief is that adding Crosby would instantly transform the defensive identity. His presence would force offenses to slide protections, create favorable matchups across the defensive front, and relieve pressure on a secondary that faced extended exposure late in the season. Simply put, Crosby would change how opponents prepare for Philadelphia.
Strategically, the move reflects a familiar Eagles philosophy: when a championship window is open, strike decisively. Rather than relying solely on internal development, Philadelphia appears ready to accelerate its timeline by acquiring a proven star built for January football.
The conclusion is clear. If common ground is reached, this trade represents a win-win scenario. The Eagles would land an elite edge rusher capable of anchoring another Super Bowl push, while the Raiders would secure valuable draft capital to shape their next chapter.
If finalized, the move would make one thing undeniable — the Eagles aren’t rebuilding. They’re reloading, and they’re doing it aggressively.
