Raiders blockbuster trade pitch sends Maxx Crosby to Cowboys for $27 million breakout star WR

It’ll be interesting to see how the Las Vegas Raiders navigate their complex Maxx Crosby situation this season. 

While the five-time Pro Bowler is among the most dynamic edge rushers in the NFL, his elite contributions are unlikely to catapult the franchise to playoff contention this year. If the Raiders agree to trade Crosby, who was nearly traded to the Baltimore Ravens earlier this offseason, they would be looking to rebuild with assets pivotal to their future. 

In a blockbuster trade proposal crafted by Dallas Cowboys insider Bryan Broaddus, the Raiders would do just that by landing a 25-year-old breakout star wide receiver.

"I would offer a one and (George) Pickens to the Raiders...I know Pickens was incredible last year, but the one thing that's holding you back is this defense,” Broaddus said last Thursday.

Pickens would undoubtedly be a high-caliber WR option for Fernando Mendoza for years to come in Broaddus’ hypothetical trade pitch. The former Pittsburgh Steelers stud wideout is coming off the best season of his young NFL career, catching 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 contests. 

Pairing Mendoza with a go-to receiver whom he can lean on from the jump would do wonders for his confidence as a young quarterback. Will it ever happen? Probably not before the start of the 2026-27 season, but a midseason trade involving Pickens and Crosby could certainly be on the table.

More NFL: 

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• Eagles named top landing spot for former Cowboys $21 million starter