Raiders projected $40 million defender predicted to leave Las Vegas for Rams

As the NFL offseason continues to unfold, one of the most intriguing stories revolves around a projected $40 million defender on the Las Vegas Raiders roster. According to reports and rumors swirling around the league, this high-profile player is expected to leave the Raiders and head west to join the Los Angeles Rams. If this prediction holds true, it would not only mark a significant personnel move for both teams but could also have major ramifications for their futures in the highly competitive NFL.

In this article, we will dive into the details of this potential move, analyzing the defender’s performance, his potential fit with the Rams, and what this means for the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense moving forward. Additionally, we will take a broader look at the financial implications for both franchises, particularly in terms of salary cap space and roster construction. Lastly, we will explore how this move could impact the defensive landscape in the NFL, as both the Raiders and Rams aim to position themselves for success in the upcoming seasons.

The Defender in Question: A $40 Million Asset

To understand the significance of this potential move, it’s important to first identify the defender in question and provide context regarding his impact on the Raiders’ defense.

Player Overview

The defender being rumored to leave the Raiders is none other than star pass rusher Maxx Crosby. Crosby has been one of the most consistently disruptive defensive players in the NFL over the past few seasons. Known for his relentless motor, powerful pass-rushing techniques, and ability to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, Crosby has become a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense.

After being drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Crosby quickly proved that he was more than just a developmental prospect. Over the past several years, he has emerged as one of the league’s premier edge defenders, earning Pro Bowl selections and garnering attention from national media outlets. Crosby’s presence on the field is undeniable, as he consistently ranks among the top players in the league in terms of pressures, sacks, and overall defensive impact.

Crosby’s Contract and Future in Las Vegas

In 2023, Crosby signed a four-year, $95 million contract extension with the Raiders, including $53 million in guarantees. That extension made Crosby one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league, with an average annual salary of over $23 million. However, despite this lucrative contract, rumors have begun to circulate that the Raiders could be looking to move on from Crosby in the near future, particularly as they look to reshape their roster under new leadership.

The potential departure of Crosby could be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, the Raiders are currently in a state of transition. With a new coaching staff in place and a franchise quarterback in flux, Las Vegas may decide to reallocate resources to other areas of the roster. While Crosby is undoubtedly one of the best players on the team, the Raiders could look to trade him to free up cap space and acquire additional assets in the process.

Crosby’s age (he will be 27 in 2025) and his status as one of the NFL’s premier edge defenders would make him an attractive target for teams in need of a pass rush upgrade. The fact that his contract is relatively affordable for a player of his caliber also makes him a desirable trade piece. However, the Raiders must weigh the potential benefits of trading Crosby against the impact his departure would have on their defense.

Why the Rams?

If Maxx Crosby were to leave Las Vegas, the Los Angeles Rams would be a natural landing spot. There are several reasons why the Rams would be motivated to acquire Crosby and why he would fit into their defensive plans moving forward.

1. Rams’ Defensive Scheme and Need for Pass Rush Help

The Rams’ defense, under defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, has been one of the most consistent units in the NFL over the past few seasons. However, the Rams have experienced some turnover in their defensive line, particularly at the edge rusher position. While star players like Aaron Donald remain the heart and soul of the defense, the team has struggled to find consistent pass rush help opposite Donald. Adding Crosby would give the Rams one of the league’s premier pass rush duos, allowing Donald and Crosby to wreak havoc together on opposing quarterbacks.

Crosby’s skill set would be a perfect fit for Morris’ aggressive defensive system. Known for his ability to get after the quarterback, Crosby’s relentless pressure style would mesh well with the Rams’ philosophy of creating chaos and forcing turnovers. With Donald commanding constant double teams, Crosby would likely benefit from single coverage opportunities, allowing him to maximize his ability to disrupt the pocket.

2. Rams’ Cap Space and Financial Flexibility

The Rams are no strangers to managing a tight salary cap, particularly after their Super Bowl victory in 2021. Over the past few years, the Rams have taken a win-now approach, trading away draft picks and investing heavily in high-profile players, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. While this strategy has yielded some success, it has also left the team in a precarious financial situation.

However, the Rams have been able to manage their cap effectively by making strategic moves to free up space. This includes restructuring contracts, moving on from underperforming players, and ensuring that key players like Aaron Donald remain on the roster. If the Rams are able to land Crosby, they will likely need to make a few more financial adjustments, but they have the flexibility to pull it off.

The Rams have one of the league’s top quarterbacks in Matthew Stafford, as well as a wealth of talent on offense. However, if they want to make another deep playoff run in 2025, they will need to bolster their defense. Crosby’s ability to generate pressure would make an immediate impact and significantly improve the Rams’ pass rush.

3. A Win-Now Mentality

The Rams, much like other NFL teams, have embraced a win-now mentality. With a veteran quarterback in Stafford and a roster full of established stars, the team is looking to make another Super Bowl push before their window of contention closes. Acquiring Crosby would be a signal that the Rams are all-in on another championship run.

By adding one of the top edge rushers in the league, the Rams would instantly improve a defense that already features stars like Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. The Rams have proven they are not afraid to make bold moves to improve their roster, and acquiring Crosby would be another example of their commitment to competing at the highest level.

The Impact on the Raiders

While Crosby’s departure could be a major blow to the Raiders’ defense, the team would have to evaluate the long-term implications of trading away one of their top players. The Raiders could use the assets gained from trading Crosby to strengthen other areas of their roster, such as the secondary or offensive line. Additionally, the move could signal a shift toward a younger, rebuilding roster that is focused on developing future talent.

The Raiders would also have to address the gap left by Crosby’s departure. While the team has some promising young players on defense, there would be no immediate replacement for Crosby’s elite pass-rushing ability. This could put additional pressure on the Raiders to find a long-term solution at edge rusher, whether that means targeting a top prospect in the draft or bringing in a veteran player to fill the void.