The Las Vegas Raiders entered Week 5 with a 3-1 record and hopes of building on their promising start. A 45-17 defeat to the New England Patriots changed the conversation, prompting NFL analyst Pete Prisco to suggest the team reconsider trading star defensive end Maxx Crosby.
Prisco made his argument after Las Vegas suffered its second consecutive loss. With the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams next on the schedule, he believes the Raiders should evaluate their long-term direction before the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
The suggestion carries added weight because the Raiders nearly traded Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens during the offseason. That deal collapsed after Baltimore backed out over medical concerns. Now, another potential trade would force Las Vegas to weigh its defensive centerpiece against the draft capital needed to rebuild.
Pete Prisco renews the Maxx Crosby trade debate
Prisco discussed Crosby on CBS Sports’ “Just Football” after the Raiders’ loss to New England on Oct. 11. He argued that Las Vegas should consider putting the defensive star back on the trade market if its struggles continue over the next two games.
Prisco questioned whether Crosby fits the team’s long-term plans, particularly as Las Vegas develops young players, including rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza. He suggested the front office could explore offers rather than assume the veteran must remain part of its rebuilding effort.
The analyst mentioned the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys as potential destinations for a pass rusher. His comments represent an outside opinion, however, not evidence that the Raiders have decided to trade Crosby again. Read the report from Pro Football Network.
The Patriots exposed serious problems
New England dominated the Raiders 45-17 at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 11. The Patriots gained 536 total yards, compared with 306 for Las Vegas, and built a 21-7 halftime lead before extending their advantage in the second half.
Quarterback Drake Maye completed 26 of 34 passes for 374 yards and 4 passing touchdowns. He also scored on a rushing attempt, finishing with 5 total touchdowns as New England controlled the game on both sides of the ball.
Las Vegas struggled to keep pace after its opening touchdown. Tight end Brock Bowers caught 8 passes for 110 yards and a score, while running back Dylan Laube added his first NFL touchdown. Those contributions were not enough to prevent the lopsided defeat. Reuters recapped the game.
Crosby could still command a strong return
Crosby remains one of the Raiders’ most established defensive players. Through the first 5 weeks of the 2026 season, he had recorded 2 sacks, 13 quarterback hits and a forced fumble, according to Pro Football Network’s review of his performance.
His production gives Las Vegas a difficult decision. A proven pass rusher can disrupt opposing offenses and help younger defenders develop. Trading him could provide valuable draft picks, but it would also remove a key player from a defense seeking consistency.
The potential return would depend on the market, contract terms and medical evaluations. Crosby is a high-profile veteran with a history of productive seasons, but no specific offer has been confirmed following Prisco’s latest recommendation. The Raiders would need to assess whether any package justified the loss.
The failed Ravens deal still matters
Las Vegas agreed to trade Crosby to Baltimore during the offseason in exchange for two first-round draft picks. The deal was contingent on a physical and fell apart when the Ravens backed out over medical concerns, leaving Crosby with the Raiders.
The collapse made Crosby’s return to Las Vegas one of the offseason’s notable developments. He remained with the franchise rather than joining a Baltimore defense that had been expected to add his pass-rushing ability.
That history makes another trade discussion more complicated. The Raiders have already considered moving him once, but a second attempt would require renewed interest from other teams and a clear assessment of Crosby’s health and value. The earlier agreement does not guarantee a similar offer now.
Las Vegas must weigh its short-term chances
The Raiders started the season 3-0, defeating the Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints. Consecutive losses to the Kansas City Chiefs and Patriots have since brought their record to 3-2 and raised questions about their consistency.
The next two games could shape the conversation. Las Vegas is scheduled to face Buffalo on Oct. 18 and the Rams on Oct. 25. Two more losses would extend the team’s losing streak to four and put additional pressure on its decision-makers.
Still, a difficult stretch does not automatically mean the season is lost. The Raiders could respond by correcting their defensive issues and improving their execution. The front office must decide whether the team can compete now or should prioritize assets for a longer-term rebuild.
Fernando Mendoza adds another layer to the decision
Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is central to the Raiders’ future. Prisco’s argument rests partly on the idea that Las Vegas should build around its young quarterback and other developing players rather than hold onto veterans whose prime years may not align with a future contender.
Mendoza made his NFL debut late in the Week 5 loss to New England. His appearance came after the game had moved beyond reach, giving the rookie limited time to demonstrate what he might offer the offense.
Developing a young quarterback takes more than adding draft picks. A competitive defense can reduce pressure on the offense and give a developing passer better opportunities to win close games. Trading Crosby could improve the Raiders’ future assets, but it would also create a major hole on defense.
What happens before the trade deadline
The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 10, leaving the Raiders several weeks to evaluate their roster and potential offers. Prisco’s proposal gives the organization another reason to consider its options, but there is no confirmation that Las Vegas plans to shop Crosby.
A trade would require a willing partner, an acceptable return and agreement on the player’s contract. Any medical concerns would also matter after the Ravens’ decision to withdraw from the earlier deal. These factors could limit the number of teams prepared to make a substantial offer.
For now, Crosby remains a Raider, and the next two games will provide more evidence about the team’s direction. If the losses continue, management could face tougher questions about its timeline. Whether that leads to another trade attempt remains uncertain.
Fun fact: Crosby was selected by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Eastern Michigan University.
TL;DR
- Pete Prisco urged the Raiders to reconsider trading Maxx Crosby if their losing streak continues.
- Las Vegas lost 45-17 to the Patriots on Oct. 11, falling to 3-2.
- Crosby recorded 2 sacks and a forced fumble through the first 5 weeks, according to Pro Football Network.
- The Raiders previously agreed to trade Crosby to Baltimore for two first-round picks, but the Ravens backed out over medical concerns.
- Upcoming games against the Bills and Rams could influence Las Vegas’ approach before the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
Read More From This Brand:
- Raiders land Kirk Cousins as bridge quarterback for 2026 season
- Maxx Crosby reveals what stands out when tackling Patrick Mahomes
- Baltimore defends decision after failed Maxx Crosby trade
This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
