The story of Maxx Crosby in 2026 begins with rejection and ends with satisfaction. The Las Vegas Raiders star edge rusher is hungry for a Super Bowl, and two major contenders—the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles—could be interested in acquiring him. Let's explore what insiders are saying and his contract details.
Costly Acquisition
NBC Sports Bay Area reporter Jennifer Lee Chan stated on YouTube, "I don't think the 49ers were ever in the mix to trade for Maxx Crosby at any point just because he's so expensive." She added, "Albert Breer was saying that if the Niners are interested, they should definitely wait to see how it all plays out."
Crosby signed a four-year, $94 million contract with the Raiders in March 2022, followed by a massive three-year, $106.5 million extension with $91.5 million guaranteed in March 2025. ESPN's Ryan McFadden notes the deal keeps Crosby under contract through 2029. According to Spotrac, his potential out is in 2028 with zero dead cap. In 2026, he is scheduled to earn a $30 million base salary with a $35 million cap hit and a $64 million dead cap value. His total career earnings are $96 million.
Trade Rumors and Interest
Sports Illustrated's Jeff Kerr reports the Eagles may rekindle interest in Crosby, suggesting a lethal combination with linebacker Jonathan Greenard. "While a Greenard-Crosby combination would be lethal, could the Eagles afford to pay one player $35.5 million per year and the other $25 million per year? Under GM Howie Roseman, they could with contract extensions and voided years," Kerr wrote. Raiders insider Honda Carpenter told the New York Post, "I am telling you there is a lot of interest in Maxx Crosby. Two teams specifically are nuclear hot—the Eagles and the 49ers."
Impact on San Francisco
The 49ers have not signed Joey Bosa, who remains a free agent. According to Chris Rosvoglou of The Spun, acquiring Crosby would provide San Francisco with a reliable edge rusher capable of leading the defensive line when Nick Bosa is off the field. Given Nick Bosa's injury history, Crosby could seamlessly step in and hold the fort.
Rejection and Future
Crosby was rejected by the Baltimore Ravens in early 2026 after a failed physical, despite intense mutual interest. They signed free-agent defensive end Trey Hendrickson instead. Any new team attempting to trade for Crosby will likely require another physical. If he fails, he will remain with the Raiders, especially with the 2026 season approaching.
