Bengals Get Big Update on Maxx Crosby Trade Decision

The Bengals received an update on the availability of Maxx Crosby The Cincinnati Bengals came out of the 2025 season filled with disappointment. After entering the season with renewed optimism following the Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins extensions and Trey Hendrickson agreeing to a one-year contract, the Bengals seemed poised to return to the postseason. Unfortunately, that did not come to fruition as the team had its worst record since the 2020 season and they missed the postseason for the third consecutive season. Entering the offseason, the expectation was that Cincinnati would be aggressive in free agency as they hoped to put together a competitive roster to aid their star quarterback, Joe Burrow. While the team has made some important additions, primarily to their defense, which struggled during the 2025 season, they have only signed four players and one of those is not projected to be a starter. Additionally, the team lost All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson to the division rival Baltimore Ravens in free agency. However, Cincinnati could still make a blockbuster move and trade for five-time Pro Bowl defender Maxx Crosby, whom the Bengals previously inquired about in a possible trade. Unfortunately for the Cincinnati Bengals, the likelihood that they acquire Crosby has diminished after his failed trade with the Baltimore Ravens. While the Ravens backing out of the Crosby trade appeared to be good news for other potential suitors, the Raiders reportedly do not want to lower his trade price of two first-round picks despite the failed physical. As a result, NFL insider Albert Breer said on the MMQB podcast, "If he's going to be traded, I think it's going to have to come after Maxx Crosby gets back on the field and plays really well." Playing well is something Crosby has done his entire career. He's reached double-digit sacks in four seasons and led the NFL in tackles for loss twice during his career. Additionally, despite his failed physical after his offseason surgery, Crosby has been among the most durable players in the NFL since joining the Raiders. Unlike most pass rushers, Crosby is not just a sack artist, but he's among the best run defenders at the position. Throughout his career, he's played 87.8% of the team's defensive snaps in games he is active. Unfortunately for the Bengals, it appears that if they land Crosby, it will have to come in a rare midseason trade. In that scenario, Cincinnati would have to be in playoff contention and in a position where a Crosby trade could make the Bengals legitimate title contenders. Currently, Pro Football Focus has a hard time seeing that as a legitimate possibility as they ranked Cincinnati No. 17 in their post-free agency power rankings. They said, "The loss of Trey Hendrickson was a difficult blow, albeit an anticipated one. Yet, the Bengals did well to reallocate those cap resources to address two key needs on defense, adding Boye Mafe to bolster the pass rush and Bryan Cook to solidify the backend coverage. Both were significant holes heading into the offseason after the Bengals finished 31st in passing success rate allowed. Fielding even a league-average defense would have a massive impact on Cincinnati's ability to win games behind a Joe Burrow-led offense."