Incoming trades have not been high on general manager Adam Peters' priorities this offseason. That strategy didn't yield the desired results for the Washington Commanders last year, so a change of approach was much-needed for long-term prosperity.
However, speculation about another blockbuster transaction has risen.
Washington needs to use its draft picks wisely. The Commanders don't have their second or fourth-round picks this year after their trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil. That was an outstanding piece of business, but it makes any similar moves for proven veterans extremely unlikely. Peters knows it, as highlighted by an aggressive free agency that brought 15 new signings into the organization.
Commanders touted as Maxx Crosby landing spot, but it makes less than ever
Even so, Gary Davenport of The Bleacher Report named the Commanders among the possible suitors for Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who was almost moved earlier this offseason before the Baltimore Ravens got cold feet.
This reportedly stemmed from the medical assessments around Crosby's knee complication. The Ravens were willing to cough up two first-round picks before pulling the plug. While it's unlikely the Raiders would get that sort of offer again, the analyst thought Las Vegas may be willing to accept a little less to enhance its rebuilding project.
"The status of [Maxx] Crosby's surgically repaired knee clouds things here. Given those clouds, the Raiders might not be able to get those multiple first-rounders from another team. But even a lesser offer (say a Round 1 pick and Round 2 pick) could be worth considering for a Raiders team in the opening stages of a full-on rebuild—especially if that first-rounder comes relatively early."
Crosby is a good player — one of the most relentless pass-rushers anywhere in the league. But even if there weren't some major red flags about his issue with the Ravens and the long-term implications of his knee surgery, this is way out of the Commanders' timeline right now.
The Commanders have built the right way this offseason. Peters prioritized the edge-rushing room, signing Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Charles Omenihu to go alongside Dorance Armstrong Jr. If they are intent on adding to the room, it will be via the draft, not going all-in for someone like Crosby.
This ship has seemingly sailed. The Raiders took maximum value they will never get again for Crosby, even when he showed no willingness to leave. Now, he's back in the building and working hard, intent on remaining in Las Vegas. Unless they get a similar offer of two first-round picks, the AFC West club will likely stand pat.
Crosby would make any team better. Still, the Commanders are in no position to be making an approach, even if the Raiders did make him available again.
It's that simple.
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