The Green Bay Packers are anticipated to aggressively address their pass rush this offseason, which is a vital requirement for a team looking to compete in 2025. After strengthening their secondary by signing Xavier McKinney last year, the Packers could now look for a high-impact edge rusher to improve their defense. Tyler Brooks of The 33rd Team proposed a massive trade that would bring star defensive end Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders to Green Bay. The proposed agreement includes:

Packers receive: Defensive end Maxx Crosby
Raiders receive: 2025 second-round selection, 2026 third-round pick.

“The Green Bay Packers desperately need a pass rusher,” Brooks said. “Not one they can take their time cultivating, but one that can contribute immediately for a potential Super Bowl run in 2025. Despite all of Jeff Hafley’s defensive improvements this season, the Packers finished 26th in pass rush victory rate. No player recorded 50 or more pressures, and only Rashan Gary (49) went above 40. Crosby would provide an immediate boost to Hafley’s system. He’s also a disruptive force against the run, with 54 pressures and 7.5 sacks in only 12 games this season.

While the cost of a second and third-round selection may appear prohibitively expensive, the Packers’ desire to solve their pass-rushing issues may make this transaction necessary.

Maxx Crosby: A Proven Defensive Force.
Maxx Crosby’s credentials place him among the most sought defensive players in the NFL. Crosby, a four-time Pro Bowler, has regularly delivered top-tier performances. Crosby has consistently produced at an exceptional level since signing a four-year, $94 million contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022. Over the last four seasons, he has 42.5 sacks and has developed as a key defensive contributor.

Despite playing only 12 games in 2024, Crosby recorded 54 pressures and 7.5 sacks, demonstrating his ability to disrupt both the passing and running games. His continuous impact would transform Green Bay’s defense, especially when coupled with Rashan Gary.

Meanwhile, the Raiders appear to be rebuilding, which may make Crosby available at the appropriate price. Crosby might be interested in moving to a playoff contender like the Packers, where he could compete for a championship.

The Potential Impact on the Packers
The Packers’ pass rush was uneven in 2024, despite Rashan Gary’s late-season revival. First-round pick Lukas Van Ness has struggled to emerge as a consistent contributor, leaving the team without another solid edge rusher. Adding Crosby to the mix would elevate Green Bay’s defense to a true strength, capable of putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks in crucial moments.

General Manager Brian Gutekunst has shown a willingness to take risks. He maintained his urgency strategy following the Packers’ Wild Card loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

“We need to continue to increase our sense of urgency,” Gutekunst stated. “These possibilities do not occur very often. A player in the NFL has a short career. We have a lot of good and talented guys in that locker room. I think it’s time to start competing for championships.”

A trade for Crosby would signal the Packers’ willingness to compete for the Super Bowl. While draft picks are important, the instant reward of an outstanding edge rusher definitely surpasses the long-term risk of developing new players.

If the Packers want to make a deep playoff run, Maxx Crosby could be the missing piece that elevates their defense and creates a championship-caliber team.