The Las Vegas Raiders started the season 3-0 and were among the NFL's biggest surprises. They now sit at 3-4 and could soon make a change at quarterback. That quick drop may also shape how the franchise approaches the trade deadline on Nov. 10, and it has revived debate over whether the team should trade pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
Crosby was previously dealt to the Baltimore Ravens this offseason in exchange for two first-round picks. The Ravens backed out of the agreement after their staff found something worrisome during his in-person physical. ESPN's Adam Schefter said recently that it is unclear whether Crosby is pushing for a trade behind closed doors, as he was several months ago. It is also uncertain what Las Vegas would ask for now, and landing two first-round picks again seems unlikely.
Still, CBS Sports senior NFL writer Pete Prisco argued on CBS Sports HQ on Sunday that the Raiders should seriously consider a deal. He said the additional draft capital would help the rebuild the team is in, and the picks could be put to use when Fernando Mendoza eventually takes over. A return of a first-round pick and a fourth-round pick might be the realistic range, and it is not clear whether that would satisfy general manager John Spytek.
Crosby's résumé is a strong one. He has recorded four double-digit sack seasons, and no player has more tackles for loss (136) since he entered the league in 2019. His 25 pressures this season rank second in the NFL, behind only Greg Rousseau. A trade before the deadline would be somewhat surprising, but four teams stand out as possible destinations.
The Chicago Bears are 5-2 after an 11-6 season in 2025, when they set an NFL record with seven wins while trailing in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter, playoffs included. Their pass rush has room to improve. Cornerback Kyler Gordon has played in only two games yet is tied with Austin Booker for the team lead with four sacks. Montez Sweat was suspended two games for violating the league's performance-enhancing drugs policy, and Dayo Odeyingbo is out with a quadriceps injury.
The Detroit Lions are another NFC North option, and they are the team Crosby grew up rooting for. Detroit is tied for the league lead with 21 sacks but ranks last in total defense at 391.0 yards allowed per game. The unit may be improving, having held Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers to 17 points on Sunday. Brian Branch is back in the lineup and Kerby Joseph could return soon. Pairing Crosby with Aidan Hutchinson could make the Lions the new favorite in the division.
The Dallas Cowboys were expected by some to have a much-improved defense this year, but it has not worked out that way. Entering their Monday night game against the Philadelphia Eagles, they rank third-worst in total yards allowed per game at 382.5 and are tied for fourth-worst in sacks with eight. After acquiring former Pittsburgh Steelers corner Joey Porter Jr., they could make another move for a pass rusher, though it would be an aggressive and controversial one from owner Jerry Jones.
The Buffalo Bills round out the list. They declared a "Super Bowl or bust" mindset when they fired Sean McDermott last year, but Jim Leonhard's defense needs work. All four of Buffalo's wins have come in games where it allowed 30 or more points, while the rest of the league was 8-42 in such games through Week 6. The Bills ranked first in points per drive at 3.13 and last in points per drive allowed at 2.76 after Week 6. Adding Crosby alongside Rousseau and Deone Walker could change that picture.
