Seattle Seahawks Pursuing $100 Million Edge Rusher in Blockbuster Trade
ESPN’s Adam Schefter hinted on the November 3 episode of “The Pat McAfee Show” that the Seattle Seahawks want to make some major moves before the November 4 trade deadline.
“Seattle is interesting,” Schefter said, pointing his fingers up in his best Brian Windhorst impression. “Something is going on in Seattle. Seattle would be a team to watch.”
Despite Schefter’s dramatic foreshadowing, one of the players Seattle is reportedly trying to acquire is shocking. Seahawks beat reporter Corbin K. Smith says the team has contacted the Las Vegas Raiders about All-Pro edge rusher Maxx Crosby.
“But if you’re looking for a stunner, keep tabs on the Maxx Crosby possibility. Seattle does have the goods to persuade,” Smith tweeted this morning.
Possible Trade Packages
Crosby, 28, has made four consecutive Pro Bowls and is widely considered one of the NFL’s best pass rushers. He’s racked up 64.5 sacks and 10 forced fumbles over seven seasons, all with the Raiders. Unless GM John Schneider pulls off the heist of the century, the Seahawks would have to surrender an enormous sum to acquire him.
Mock trades for Crosby often start with two first-round picks. The Micah Parsons trade provides a reasonable template. Green Bay sent two first-round picks and Pro Bowler Kenny Clark to Dallas in exchange for Parsons.
Smith says Boye Mafe and/or Riq Woolen could be involved in a prospective Crosby trade. Both players have reportedly been on the trade block for weeks. He adds, “Pete Carroll loves both players and that would be a key part in a package for Crosby.”
A potential trade could look like this:
- Seahawks receive: DE Maxx Crosby
- Raiders receive: LB Boye Mafe, CB Riq Woolen, a 2026 1st-round pick, and a 2027 1st-round pick
Likelihood of Seattle Acquiring Crosby
Blockbuster trades of this scale aren’t common in the NFL, especially mid-season. However, the Parsons trade and the 2018 Khalil Mack trade show teams will part with any superstar for the right price.
Jori Epstein and Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports also quoted an NFC talent evaluator who said the Raiders are open to trading Crosby. “I still think for the right price, Crosby could be on the move,” the evaluator said. “First and a pick swap, most likely.”
Of course, there are several reasons to be skeptical. Smith says he doesn’t expect the trade to happen, adding that “the Raiders would have to pivot 180 degrees from where they’ve been declining trade overtures.”
Additionally, Crosby has expressed interest in staying in Las Vegas. “I have a special connection with the fanbase,” he told reporters after Sunday’s overtime loss to the Jaguars. “They’ve been through it, just like I’ve been through it. I know everyone puts their time and effort, spends their hard-earned money. I’ll continue to give it everything I’ve got until I can’t anymore.”
Yesterday, Crosby tweeted: “Raider Nation I Love Yall With Everything In My Heart & Soul. Yall Deserve Better. Stay As One, It Will Change.”
A Busy Day for Seattle
There are only a few hours left until the NFL trade deadline. With the Seahawks (6-2) sitting atop the NFC West, GM John Schneider is likely calling numerous teams to add talent for a playoff run. As Schefter says, the Seahawks should be busy, even if a Crosby trade doesn’t happen. The key position areas Seattle is interested in bolstering are pass rusher and interior offensive line.
Myles Garrett has been linked to trade rumors, given Cleveland’s dismal 2-6 season. Of course, that’s just unlikely as a Crosby trade and would entail a similar deal. The Eagles took the buzziest edge rusher off the market yesterday, trading for Miami’s Jaelan Phillips.
When the trade deadline dust settles, there’s a high chance Seattle only adds a guard. Smith tweeted, “Based on what I’ve heard for the past several days, if team makes trade at all, Cesar Ruiz is probably the most likely player for #Seahawks to acquire today.”
But until 4 p.m. hits, Seahawks fans get to daydream about Crosby running out of the Lumen Field tunnel.
Steelers Cut Ties With 85-Game NFL Veteran & Former Super Bowl Champion
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced news of a corresponding cut for a Week 6 roster move that was first reported on October 7.
Running back/returner Raheem Blackshear will officially join the practice squad, following the Monday news of his addition, and he’ll take the place of recent Steelers signing Ja’Whaun Bentley, per the team’s social media account.
Bentley is a veteran linebacker who has spent his entire career with the New England Patriots before briefly signing with Pittsburgh in September.
The hard-hitting interior LB has suited up for 85 career NFL outings, including 2 playoff appearances. He’s accumulated over 510 total tackles and 10-plus sacks, with 2 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles.
Bentley earned a Super Bowl ring as a rookie for his contributions during the 2018-19 season. This was the final championship that ex-Patriots legend Tom Brady won with New England.
Ja’Whaun Bentley Fails to Impress With Steelers, Leading to Roster Cut
When the Steelers first brought in Bentley, some believed he would follow in the footsteps of fellow former Patriots “thumper” Elandon Roberts.
A contingent of Steelers fans has criticized the team for letting Roberts leave in free agency, and Bentley felt like the perfect replacement as an affordable, rotational linebacker with Malik Harrison sidelined.
Unfortunately for Bentley, he must have failed to impress during his two-to-three weeks with the organization.
Heading into Week 6, the Steelers have Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb and rookie Carson Bruener at inside linebacker. They also added Jon Rhattigan to the practice squad in early September, just before Bentley.
Head coach Mike Tomlin must feel that this is sufficient enough dept
