The Green Bay Packers are expected to aggressively address their pass-rushing needs this offseason, a crucial step for a team aiming to contend in 2025. After strengthening their secondary last year by signing Xavier McKinney, the Packers could now focus on acquiring a high-impact edge rusher to enhance their defense.
Tyler Brooks of The 33rd Team has proposed a blockbuster trade that would bring elite defensive end Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders to Green Bay. The suggested deal includes:
Packers receive: Defensive end Maxx Crosby
Raiders receive: 2025 second-round pick and 2026 third-round pick
“The Green Bay Packers desperately need a pass rusher,” Brooks wrote. “Not one they can be patient in developing, but one who can contribute right away for a potential Super Bowl run in 2025. For all the positives of Jeff Hafley’s defense this season, the Packers ranked just 26th in pass rush win rate. No player recorded 50 or more pressures, and only Rashan Gary (49) exceeded 40. Crosby would provide an immediate boost in Hafley’s system. With 54 pressures and 7.5 sacks in just 12 games this year, he’s also a disruptive force against the run.”
While giving up a second- and third-round pick might seem costly, the Packers’ determination to fix their pass-rushing issues could make the trade a necessary move.
Maxx Crosby: A Proven Defensive Force
Maxx Crosby’s credentials establish him as one of the NFL’s premier defensive players. A four-time Pro Bowler, Crosby has consistently delivered elite performances. Since signing a four-year, $94 million extension with the Raiders in 2022, he has continued to shine. Over the past four seasons, he’s amassed 42.5 sacks and solidified himself as a cornerstone on defense.
In 2024, despite playing in just 12 games, Crosby registered 54 pressures and 7.5 sacks, proving his ability to disrupt both the pass and run games. His impact would be transformative for Green Bay’s defense, especially alongside Rashan Gary.
Meanwhile, the Raiders appear to be rebuilding, which could make Crosby available for the right offer. A move to a playoff contender like Green Bay might appeal to Crosby, giving him a chance to compete for a championship.
The Potential Impact for the Packers
The Packers’ pass rush struggled with inconsistency in 2024 despite Rashan Gary’s strong finish to the season. First-round pick Lukas Van Ness has yet to develop into a dependable contributor, leaving the team without a reliable second edge rusher. Adding Crosby would immediately elevate Green Bay’s defense, providing the ability to pressure quarterbacks in key situations.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst has shown a willingness to make bold moves in the past. Following the Packers’ Wild Card loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, he emphasized the need for urgency:
“We need to continue to ramp up our sense of urgency,” Gutekunst said. “These opportunities don’t come [very often]. The life of a player in the NFL is not very long. We’ve got a bunch of good and talented guys in that locker room. I think it’s time we start competing for championships.”
Acquiring Crosby would signal the Packers’ commitment to winning now. While draft picks hold value, the immediate benefits of adding an elite edge rusher outweigh the uncertainties of developing younger talent.
If the Packers aim to make a deep postseason run, Maxx Crosby could be the key piece to fortify their defense and build a championship-caliber roster.
