The Philadelphia Eagles could be in the market for an edge rusher this offseason, as Josh Sweat is set to hit unrestricted free agency, and Brandon Graham’s future is uncertain, as the veteran could call it a career.
If Sweat leaves in free agency and Graham retires, Fox Sports’ Carmen Vitali predicts general manager Howie Roseman will address the edge rusher position by trading for Las Vegas Raiders superstar Maxx Crosby.
“Why do I have a feeling that whoever ends up getting Crosby is going to be a team that doesn’t even necessarily need him? Like, I don’t know, the Eagles? Whispers around the combine suggested general manager Howie Roseman could let free agent Josh Sweat walk, and if we know anything about Roseman, he doesn’t let guys go without being able to upgrade,” McKenna wrote.
“Crosby would be that upgrade, and Roseman would make the money work. He always does. And wouldn’t it just be so Roseman/Philly to come out of winning a Super Bowl with a better roster? We know they prioritize the trenches (as they should), so I expect the Eagles to make a splash one way or another along the defensive line, even with all the monsters they already have on it,” McKenna added.
Crosby has been one of the most dominant defensive players in football over the last few years, as the four-time Pro Bowler has a relentless motor and has posted three double-digit sack seasons since entering the league in 2019.
Though acquiring Crosby would elevate the Eagles’ defense to another level, it doesn’t seem like the former Eastern Michigan standout has plans to leave Las Vegas.
Crosby recently expressed optimism about the Raiders hires of John Spytek as general manager and Pete Carroll as head coach and is excited for the future. This has destroyed any chance that he will request a trade anytime soon.
Though Roseman has done a terrific job managing Philadelphia’s cap situation, the team is slated to have $21 million in cap space this offseason and likely won’t be able to fit Crosby’s $94 million contract into their budget.
Additionally, the 2019 fourth-round pick is looking to rework his deal and receive some guaranteed money, as he has none left on his current contract, which has two years remaining. Crosby will also likely be looking for a raise.
Overall, adding Maxx Crosby to Vic Fangio’s defense would turn the unit into one of the most feared groups in football. However, it doesn’t seem like the 27-year-old wants to depart Las Vegas just yet, and Philadelphia doesn’t have the cap space necessary to pull off the deal and retain their other key free agents.
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