5 NFL landing spots for Raiders star – NBC Sports Bay Area and California

The Las Vegas Raiders may be on the verge of implosion.

Even though it was Antonio Pierce’s first full season at the helm, Las Vegas didn’t have much expectation of being able to compete right away, especially with Gardner Minshew and sophomore Aidan O’Connell as the primary options under center.

Things got worse when Davante Adams requested a trade and was ultimately traded to the New York Jets after Week 6, where he reunited with former Green Bay Packers teammate Aaron Rodgers.

With Adams cut out of the frame, the focus shifts to Maxx Crosby. Crosby, 27, is the only star on the team. The three-time Pro Bowler and two-time Second-Team All-Pro is coming off consecutive double-digit sack campaigns (12.5 and 14.5, respectively), with 5.5 points to his name in five games.

If Crosby, who is under contract through 2026, doesn’t stay in Vegas, these teams should make the decision, even if the price is high:

Detroit Lions

This is a piece of cake. The Lions are likely in the market for a top-notch edge rusher, as Aidan Hutchinson is likely out for the season with a broken tibia. While head coach Dan Campbell doesn’t want to rule out a possible return for Hutchinson this season, there is no guarantee that will happen and speculation won’t solve any problems. Crosby would maintain the Lions’ status as a legitimate NFC contender while further strengthening them once Hutchinson is healthy.

Washington commanders

The Commanders live up to their sleeper status early on, with Jayden Daniels looking more than comfortable as the rookie signal-caller. That could prompt the front office to make win-now moves sooner rather than later, especially with the NFC East title looming large. Like Detroit, Washington has struggled with injuries on defense, with tackle Jonathan Allen out for the year with a torn pectoral muscle. Crosby doesn’t fill the same void, but he would give the team a boost.

Chicago Bears

The Bears have no injury concerns yet on defense, although they are struggling with production. After signing Montez Sweat from Washington in 2023, Chicago spent some time figuring out who to face. Darrell Taylor came from the Seattle Seahawks while DeMarcus Walker is there, but Crosby would easily be an upgrade over both as Gervon Dexter Sr. shows great potential in his second season at center back.

Buffalo Bills

Las Vegas would probably prefer to send Crosby to the opposing conference, although some AFC teams might make sense. One such team has already entered the trade market, as the Bills solved their wide receiver problems by acquiring Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns. But should they continue to go all-in, Crosby would be an immediate improvement over Greg Rousseau and AJ Epenesa. If they could somehow get out of Miller’s contract, that would make even more sense.

San Francisco 49ers

To end on a juicy note, the 49ers should at least consider the possibility of this happening. They compete in the opposite conference and the rivalry between the two teams isn’t exactly the same after the Raiders’ move. San Francisco has been hit by injuries on both sides of the ball, with Javon Hargrave out for the season and newcomer Yetur Gross-Matos on injured reserve. Crosby would give the 49ers the reliable star partner for Nick Bosa that they have been looking for nonstop since his signing, with names like Dee Ford and Chase Young among others out of the question. It may not be realistic, but due diligence won’t hurt.