The Jacksonville Jaguars had a great regular season in 2025, but the team should do anything but run it back with the same pieces. After the team's disappointing showing against the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round, we were all reminded that 2025 was simply the first step of a rebuild that was ahead of schedule.
Some analysts may say that the Jags should focus on tinkering with the offensive line before addressing anything else. Luckily, a recent article from CBS Sports shows that there's an interesting former All-Pro available for Jacksonville to look into.
The defensive line's ability to stop the run was proven throughout the 17-game regular season. With that in mind, the franchise could reach the next level of on-field success if it addresses its lack of a reliable pass rusher off the edge. Trading for a proven veteran would take care of that.
Why it would make sense for the Jaguars to trade for Maxx Crosby
CBS Sports claims that Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby is a trade candidate with $118.05 million and four years left on his current contract. The Silver & Black fired Pete Carroll after one season and showed that they're still in the initial stages of a rebuild themselves.
Crosby just wrapped up his seventh pro season and has already been through numerous regimes and the team's contentious exit from Oakland. It's likely that the five-time Pro Bowler holds no interest in participating in a reset led by an inexperienced minority owner, a first-time head coach, and a rookie quarterback who will have to overcome all those obstacles himself.
James Gladstone and the Jaguars' front office could use their third-round picks (and one of their selections in 2027) to make the Raiders an attractive offer for Maxx Crosby's services, as his expensive contract will stretch Jacksonville's salary cap to the absolute limit. The Eastern Michigan alum will turn 29-years-old before the next season starts, so the team would still get some great years out of the game-breaker before it's all said and done.
Of course, Maxx Crosby isn't the only option the team could pursue to turbocharge the pass rush alongside Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. James Gladstone could opt to draft a collegiate pass rusher with a high ceiling and room to grow.
However, the team's desire to return to the playoffs as quickly as possible may not allow such patience. Trading for Maxx Crosby would allow the Jaguars to check off that box.