Eagles

NFL Rumors: Could Eagles pursue star pass-rusher ahead of trade deadline?

The first domino of the Raiders’ inevitable rebuild has fallen, with the team reportedly shipping out All-Pro WR Davante Adams to reunite with Aaron Rodgers in New York.

Davante Adams Trade

The Raiders acquired Adams in 2022 following a contract dispute with the Packers and then signed him to a five-year, $140M deal. They failed to make the postseason in his first two years, however, and are on track to repeat the same fate this season, leading to Adams’ trade request two weeks ago.

With Adams now out the door, other prominent players could be the subject of trade talks if Las Vegas opts to tear down their roster.

Gathering the necessary assets to find a franchise quarterback should be top priority, and the Raiders have a valuable bargaining chip in star DE Maxx Crosby.

Despite the poor start to the season, Crosby has reiterated his desire to remain in Las Vegas.

“You know where I want to be,” Crosby said of the trade rumors earlier this month, per Paul Gutierrez of ESPN. “You think I want to be anywhere else? No. I got this s–t tatted on my body. I don’t want to go anywhere… it’s just funny. You’ve got a lot of people that have a lot to say when they really don’t know what’s going on.”

Crosby’s words and actions paint two different pictures. This past Sunday, the broadcast caught Crosby shoving an assistant coach during the Raiders’ blowout loss to Chicago.

“Mike Caldwell Is My Guy. One Of The Best People In The Business. Thats A Love Push, Stop Reaching.” Crosby posted on X later that day.

Crosby has recorded 57.5 sacks, 20 pass deflections, and 341 total tackles since being drafted in 2019. Considering their 2-4 record, it’s reasonable to think that Las Vegas might entertain cashing in on Crosby now if the deal is compelling enough.

Speculation grew even further once the Lions lost top edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a fractured tibia. Detroit’s Super Bowl window is now, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports they aren’t likely to mortgage the future for a Hutchinson replacement.

Going after Haason Reddick, who was officially granted permission to seek a trade out of New York, is more realistic.

Another NFC team in need of pass-rush help may be a viable suitor for Crosby’s services — the Philadelphia Eagles.

Before last week’s five-sack performance against the lowly Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia ranked second-to-last in that category through four weeks of the season.

The early returns from offseason addition Bryce Huff have been underwhelming, and their best edge-rusher to this point is 36-year-old Brandon Graham.

Adding Maxx Crosby would give the Eagles a game-wrecker on a manageable contract that runs through 2026.

Poaching the two-time All-Pro would be no easy task, as the Raiders have reportedly turned down offers that included a first-round pick.

Any serious conversation would have to start at multiple first-rounders, and Eagles GM Howie Roseman holds his draft assets close to chest.

Is he willing to pay for a 27-year-old edge who’s been a Pro Bowler each of the last three seasons? Crosby is currently tied for fifth in the NFL in sacks (5.5) and is leading the league in tackles for loss (nine), a stat he led in both 2022 and 2023.

Given the state of the franchise, Las Vegas could benefit from allocating resources now rather than waiting for Crosby to demand a trade, should he become disgruntled. The Eagles could benefit from acquiring Crosby to elevate their defense as they pursue a second Super Bowl title.

We’ll see if anything materializes as the trade deadline approaches.

Mandatory Credit: AP Photo | David Becker

Victor Williams is the host/producer of The Philly Pod on iHeartRadio and leads all Eagles coverage as co-founder of The Liberty Line.

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