The latest Maxx Crosby trade rumors look to be trickling down to two NFC teams during the 2026 season, and with that, it’s looking to be a battle for the superstar edge rusher. Earlier this offseason, Crosby was close to joining another AFC team, the Baltimore Ravens, before failing his physical, leading to the team nixing plans on a trade. It was probably one of the most bizarre storylines of the past few months, other than the 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk situation. However, Raiders insider Hondo Carpenter believes that the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles could be in strong pursuit of Crosby.
“I know there are a lot of fans who, after the season, when we talked about it, mocked me, got mad, and even had people threaten me,” Carpenter said on the “Las Vegas Raiders Insider” podcast. “Then, bam, you saw him get traded to Baltimore. Okay, I am telling you there is a lot of interest in Maxx Crosby. Two teams specifically are nuclear hot: the Eagles and the 49ers.”
It’s fair to speculate that Carpenter could get it right once again despite the Baltimore fallout. Whether it’s the Eagles, 49ers or another NFL team during the 2026 campaign, everyone should agree that the Raiders’ edge rusher should be on a new roster come 2027.
Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors: 2 NFC Teams Chasing $106M Star
Fight Between 49ers and Eagles
Meanwhile, it’s easy to understand why the 49ers could have interest in the Raiders veteran. While they traded for former Cowboys DT star Osa Odighizuwa, there’s still a clear hole in their pass-rusher needs. Between CJ West and Sebastian Valdez, the 49ers can’t afford to hang their head high on these inexperienced defensive players. The team being close to acquiring Joey Bosa and pairing with his brother Nick is proof that the 49ers aren’t done making adjustments in their unit.
Meanwhile, the Eagles already made a commanding move in the trade market, acquiring LB Jonathan Greenard from the Minnesota Vikings. They were in the running for Myles Garrett, too, before the Los Angeles Rams took him, so don’t count out GM Howie Roseman making a late, aggressive move for the defensive star. If the team finds itself struggling with Jalen Carter keeping this defensive line afloat, don’t be shocked if the Eagles somehow get Crosby.
Between the 49ers and Eagles? It’s a toss-up. Both have a decent chance of landing the Pro Bowler during the 2026 season. If you had a coin flip, with WR AJ Brown, Jaelan Phillips leaving Philadelphia this offseason, the Eagles might have the edge here in this situation. Roseman could be the one who’s more aggressive than the 49ers GM John Lynch. However, let’s have some fun here and plug two other NFC teams that could shockingly swoop in and make their mark in the trade market sweepstakes.
Two Teams That Could Intervene
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys came up short in scoring the Raiders’ pass-rusher during the offseason as the team couldn’t meet the asking price the Ravens provided. However, owner Jerry Jones isn’t closing the door on a potential trade during the 2026 season, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they make a massive move if the team finds itself 3-5, again. The Cowboys traded for Rashan Gary while drafting Jaishawn Barham and Malachi Lawrence to overhaul their defensive future.
Still, since they made the shocking move of moving Micah Parsons last offseason, Dallas has struggled to have a strong heavyweight defense. It’s unclear if Gary is the answer to their woes, and while they also traded for Dee Winters, it was solely to address the depth concerns. Crosby joining Dallas would make too much sense for it not to happen.
Chicago Bears
Another NFC Championship favorite is the Chicago Bears, who looked like an exciting roster this past 2025 campaign. The chances that the Bears face the Rams again are skyrocketing, and since they’re likely to meet in the postseason, they must have a superstar edge rusher by that time. The team lost veteran Tremaine Edmunds, and while they signed Devin Bush to address it, there’s still a hefty need to assist Montez Sweat.
Many could soon see Crosby vs. Garrett in the 2027 NFC Championship Game if the Bears acquire the Raiders’ star pass-rusher.
