The Jacksonville Jaguars entered the offseason with clear needs to address. Among the biggest ones is the pass rush. While they could add reinforcements at defensive tackle, they could also turbocharge a rotation that already includes Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen.
If the Jags want to spare no expense, they could target Trey Hendrickson in free agency. Another option would be to target star defensive end Maxx Crosby, who's been the subject of trade speculation this offseason. Even though it wouldn't come cheap, the Condor could propel the Jacskonville defense to new heights. This is probably why a team legend is urging general manager James Gladstone to make a run for him.
Maurice Jones-Drew urges the Jaguars to trade for Maxx Crosby
Five writers at NFL Media put together a list of five logical trade destinations for Maxx Crosby. Maurice Jones-Drew chose the Jaguars, arguing that the five-time Pro Bowl selection would give their pass rush a much-needed boost. Here's the skinny.
"Jacksonville just ranked 21st in pass defense and 27th in sacks, withleading the way with eight QB takedowns," Jones-Drew wrote. "Crosby would provide a much-needed boost to the defensive line and another dynamic pass rusher opposite Hines-Allen. With Crosby, the Jags could be true Super Bowl contenders."
While local writers have previously urged the Jags to make a run for Crosby, this may be the first time a national voice makes the suggestion. Regardless, it makes too much sense not to at least give it a thought.
Crosby is seemingly disgruntled at the Las Vegas Raiders after being placed on Injured Reserve near the end of the 2025 season, even though he wanted to play. Couple that with the fact that the Silver & Black is to embark on yet another rebuild — their fourth in the past five years — and it's easy to see why he would want out.
Granted, Crosby hasn't outright said that he wants to be traded, and he'll keep inviting speculation as long as he doesn't address the rumors, which he hasn't done.
If the 2019 fourth-round pick does land on the trade block, plenty of teams won't hesitate to make a bid for him. The Jaguars should be one of them. After all, Crosby has been one of the most productive pass rushers in the NFL, having registered 69.5 sacks the past seven seasons.
Of course, trading for Crosby wouldn't be cheap, and the Jags would need to part ways with at least a first-round pick (probably the one in 2027 since they don't have one this year), and a player, maybe wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Even then, a deal may not get done.
Why the Jaguars may pass on trading for Maxx Crosby
There's no doubt that Maxx Crosby would turn the Jaguars into a legit contender. Moreover, general manager James Gladstone hasn't been afraid to make a trade to address the larger scale roster. That said, Jacksonville would need to give up a substantial amount of resources to get it done. When you take into account that they have other pressing needs, it may not be feasible.
The Jags need to add reinforcements at corner, the pass rusher, and defensive tackle. In fact, the interior defensive line is arguably their biggest need. If that wasn't enough, the team's brass will need to replenish the linebackers corps if Devin Lloyd leaves, which is a realistic possibility. Couple that with the fact that Jacksonville is $13.9 million over the cap, and it's hard to see Jacksonville making a run for Crosby.
Sure, the Jaguars could free up plenty of cap space and put together a package to land Maxx Crosby. They would land a premier pass rush, but at the expense of neglecting other key needs.