Surprise NFC North Team Linked To Maxx Crosby Trade That Could Make Them The New Super Bowl Favorites
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings spent most of the week surrounded by trade chatter about their backfield. But now a new name is in the mix, and it could mean an even bigger move before the NFL trade deadline hits.
The team has shown interest in Colts star Jonathan Taylor, and landing him is still on the table. However, Minnesota could also look to strengthen its defense by making a move for Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby.
Brian Flores’ defense has done most of the heavy lifting for Minnesota this season. Since the offense has struggled to get going, bringing in a game-changer like Crosby could take the whole unit to another level. Recent chatter from a Vikings insider has only hyped up those trade rumors.
Vikings Could Make A Big Move For Maxx Crosby
The Raiders previously agreed to trade Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens earlier this year. However, the deal fell apart after Crosby failed his physical. That situation could give other teams another chance to pursue the star pass rusher.
During a recent episode of The Skolcial Network, Tyler Forness of AtoZ Sports and Vikings 1st & Skol discussed the possibility of Crosby joining Minnesota. Forness expressed confidence that the rumors might have substance, based on information he had received.
That does not mean a trade will happen. However, the discussion has given Vikings fans another reason to watch the deadline closely.
A Crosby trade would also require a major investment. Minnesota could need to offer two first-round picks or a similar package to convince Las Vegas to move its star defender.
One proposed deal from AtoZ Sports’ NFL Trade Simulator has the Vikings sending a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2028 fifth-round pick to Las Vegas. In return, Minnesota would receive Crosby and a 2028 sixth-round pick.
Meanwhile, another former Vikings player has entered the trade conversation. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler named Minnesota among the potential landing spots for Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Fowler noted, “Cousins played well enough through seven games that he has trade value. So does his contract, which, after being reworked, features a $1.3 million base salary. Aidan O’Connell, the Raiders’ QB3, is a former starter who could slide into the primary backup role to Fernando Mendoza if Las Vegas is ready to start the rookie.”
ESPN’s Matt Bowen pointed to Cousins’ solid play in 2026, noting he has already thrown 16 touchdowns against just five picks. Bowen added that Cousins is a pure pocket passer who looks his best when running heavy play-action.
The Panthers and Giants have also popped up as possible landing spots for the veteran quarterback.
Right now, the Vikings have plenty of ways they could go before the deadline. But going out and trading for Crosby would make it crystal clear that they’re going all-in on defense.
