The Los Angeles Chargers continue to surface in trade speculation surrounding Las Vegas Raiders star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby, but a closer look at the situation suggests a deal is highly improbable.
For starters, the cost of acquiring a player of Crosby’s caliber would be steep. The Raiders are unlikely to part with their defensive cornerstone unless they receive a blockbuster offer. On top of the significant trade compensation, any team taking him on would also have to absorb his hefty contract—a $35.8 million cap hit in 2026, followed by nearly $30 million in 2027.
Then there’s the Chargers’ own front-office philosophy. General manager Joe Hortiz has built a reputation for disciplined cap management, prioritizing value signings—like Poona Ford—and retaining key homegrown talent over chasing splashy trades. Re-signing Khalil Mack, should he choose to continue playing, or extending breakout star Odafe Oweh aligns far more with the team’s approach than engineering a mega-deal for an external superstar.
The division rivalry adds another layer. The AFC West factor is real—why would the Raiders willingly send a dominant pass-rusher to a team they’d have to face twice a year?
Despite all these roadblocks, the Chargers keep popping up in Crosby trade rumors. ESPN’s Seth Walder recently made the case for a potential deal, floating a package that includes a 2026 second-round pick (No. 55 overall), a 2026 sixth-rounder, and a 2027 fifth-round selection.
Walder noted that with Chris O’Leary taking over as defensive coordinator and both Mack and Oweh heading toward free agency, the Chargers have a clear need on the edge. He also pointed out that Los Angeles has the cap space to absorb Crosby’s salary-heavy deal.
Still, the proposed trade compensation—while not astronomical—doesn’t change the underlying financial reality. Crosby’s cap figures over the next two years are massive, and the Chargers have other priorities.
Re-signing Mack, if he doesn’t hang up his cleats, will command a significant portion of available funds. Locking up Oweh long-term is an even bigger priority. After all, the Chargers identified Oweh, traded for him, and watched him deliver a breakout season. He’s the kind of player the organization wants to build around—far more likely to be the team’s headline move this offseason than a blockbuster trade for a division rival’s star.
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