Buccaneers Make an Offer for Maxx Crosby That the Raiders Cannot Refuse – Tampa Bay Is Determined to Bring the Raiders’ Defensive Icon to Raymond James Stadium, No Matter the Cost
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are making a bold push to solidify their defense, and it’s clear that they are not holding back. With their defensive line struggling to make an impact this season and with hopes of returning to the playoffs, the Buccaneers have made a stunning offer to acquire star pass rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders — a move many analysts are calling “impossible to ignore.”
According to sources close to the situation, Tampa Bay has put together a package that includes two first-round picks (2026 and 2027), a third-round pick in 2026, and two promising young defensive players, defensive tackle Eric Johnson and linebacker Zaire Franklin. In return, Tampa Bay hopes to add Crosby, who has been a one-man wrecking crew on a Raiders defense that has otherwise struggled to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Maxx Crosby’s Continued Dominance
Despite the Raiders’ disappointing 2–5 record, Crosby has been a standout performer, with 4 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in just 7 games. As the heart and soul of Las Vegas’ defense, he’s consistently been the only reliable force in an otherwise chaotic unit. However, with the Raiders entering a rebuild, the possibility of parting with their defensive leader has become a real option, especially given the tempting offer from Tampa Bay.
The Buccaneers’ Defensive Needs
Tampa Bay has been searching for a dominant pass rusher since the departure of longtime defensive leader Gerald McCoy. Through 8 games this season, Tampa Bay has only recorded 10 sacks — ranking near the bottom of the league. Their defensive pressure rate is a mere 22%, and head coach Todd Bowles knows that if the Buccaneers are to compete for a playoff spot and beyond, they need an elite defender like Crosby to make an impact immediately.
Crosby’s arrival would instantly transform Tampa Bay’s defensive line, giving them a true game-changer who can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. His relentless play style would be a perfect fit for defensive coordinator Larry Foote’s aggressive approach, and Crosby would immediately become a cornerstone of the unit.
Teammate Reactions
Buccaneers star linebacker Lavonte David expressed his excitement about the potential acquisition:
“If Maxx Crosby joins us, we’ll be a nightmare for any offense,” David said after practice. “The guy is relentless. He doesn’t stop, and that’s exactly the kind of energy we need. We’ve seen what he can do on the field, and having him on our side would make us that much stronger.”
Tampa Bay’s Playoff Push
The Buccaneers are clearly committed to making a push for the playoffs, and this aggressive move for Crosby shows that they are willing to do whatever it takes to get there. With the team’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance, adding Crosby could be the missing piece they need to create a dominant defense and make a serious run at the postseason.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Raiders to see if they’ll accept Tampa Bay’s tempting offer. If the deal goes through, Maxx Crosby will be the centerpiece of a revamped Buccaneers defense that will give opposing offenses nightmares for years to come. Tampa Bay is ready to make a championship push — and Crosby may be the final piece to make it happen.
Jameson Williams makes promise to Lions fans after ugly Week 9 loss to Vikings
The Detroit Lions didn't get the job done at home against the Minnesota Vikings, losing 27-24 in a game that wasn't nearly as close as the final score indicated.
Most of the afternoon, the Lions struggled in all three phases of the game, which led to their downfall. In spite of the frustration, there is good news. Detroit has had bad efforts before, and they have bounced back every single time.
The Lions haven't lost two games in a row since the 2022 season, and have made bouncing back strong a penchant under Dan Campbell. Even though this latest loss was frustrating, that major ability to respond is just what wide receiver Jameson Williams sees playing out once again.
"I just know we've got to be better. Going into this (week's) game, we've got to be better. You hate the feeling of losing no matter how the loss comes. (If it's) one point, two points, three points, 40 points, it all feel the same. We just got to get back in and correct our stuff. We're going to be back for sure."
While the Lions lost, the Green Bay Packers also suffered an upset defeat at home, falling to the Carolina Panthers. Detroit may have missed out on a chance to leap atop the NFC North, but have already beaten the Chicago Bears and have more games coming against all three teams down the stretch.
Williams wasn't lamenting a missed opportunity at all, because he understands the Lions still have the opportunity late in the season to shift the narrative head-to-head against divisional foes.
"It's a long season when it comes down to it. I promise that we're going to give it our all and we know where we're headed. We still have to see all three of those teams one more time. So, we decide what goes on by the outcome of those games."
At 5-3, the Lions remain in the thick of the division race and the NFC playoff hunt. They have a chance to rebound quick, and Williams sees the opportunity to do that with a bit more preparation before next weekend.
Williams not focused on personal production after big day vs. Vikings
During the bye week, a big focus for the Lions was figuring out how to get the ball to Williams. He hadn't been involved in the offense statistically, and that was one of the small frustrations Detroit had with their passing attack before Week 9.
The good news? Even though they had other problems, the Lions figured out this dynamic. Williams was dangerous all afternoon, catching four passes for 66 yards and an electrifying late touchdown to pull Detroit back within three.
Despite the solid day, Williams didn't want to think about his improved role in the offense afterward, because the Lions lost. It's a dynamic he has talked about before after victories, and it was on full-display this week.
"It's kind of hard to think about that. We lost, so I'm not really thinking about anything else right now but the loss."
Williams is a team player either way, and will continue to do his part to help the offense. He knows that the Lions have a great chance to atone for their frustrating loss when they hit the road in Week 10.
