The Rams were not one of the clubs publicly connected to Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby this offseason, either before or after the failed trade that would have sent Crosby to the Ravens. Of course, Los Angeles swung a blockbuster trade to acquire Myles Garrett from the Browns, but before that, ESPN’s Ian Rapoport says the Rams pursued Crosby.
Baltimore nixed its agreement with Las Vegas due to long-term concerns about the health of Crosby’s surgically-repaired knee. A report several months later indicated other teams remained interested in acquiring Crosby from the Raiders, and Rapoport confirms teams like the Eagles, Cowboys, and 49ers were intrigued and were monitoring the situation (the Cowboys’ and Eagles’ interest was previously reported, while the Niners were only mentioned as a team that could make a run at Crosby).
Per Rapoport, the Rams emerged as the strongest suitor in the wake of the Ravens’ reversal. While it is unclear exactly what LA offered, other teams were reportedly attempting to capitalize on the unsuccessful Las Vegas-Baltimore swap by making proposals of “pennies on the dollar.”
Such overtures were obviously non-starters for the Raiders, but even if they had been more tempting, Crosby himself did not want to be traded again. He recently acknowledged that any hard feelings he may have harbored towards the team that made him a fourth-round pick in 2019 have subsided, and that he never really wanted to leave Las Vegas in the first place.
Once it became clear Crosby was off the table, the Rams pivoted to Garrett. GM Les Snead, who has never shied away from making a big splash, sent three draft picks (including a 2027 first-rounder) and Jared Verse to the Browns in exchange for the five-time First Team All-Pro.
The Garrett trade solidified the Rams’ status as preseason Super Bowl favorites, though he did not look like himself in Week 1, and he has now landed on injured reserve due to a knee injury. Meanwhile, Crosby received full medical clearance for the start of training camp, and sources tell Rapoport the Eastern Michigan product appears to be in excellent health.
The Raiders, coming off a 3-14 season, are not expected to compete for a playoff spot this year. But the team was active in free agency and added Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick of the draft, and there is at least hope of forward momentum as Crosby enters his eighth season.
