If you want to see the rationale, here it is:
https://www.pewterreport.com/evaluating-bucs-maxx-crosby-trade-proposal/
The original outside analysis was a 2nd and a 4th. PR said yes for sure but that is not what it would take:
"Just last month, the Green Bay Packers gave up two first rounders and Kenny Clark for another premier pass rusher in Micah Parsons. Green Bay then signed Parsons to a deal that would keep him in town through 2029, the same time horizon Crosby is under contract for. Now Parsons is two years younger and widely considered a tick better than Crosby. Hence why Crosby would net a slightly lesser package. But only slightly.
In speaking with a league source, they agreed a Crosby trade would likely require two firsts."
If you're Licht do you do it for two 1st round picks?
I would do it for the 2nd and 4th. 2 1st? Definitely no.
Nope.
No pass rusher is worth that. I know people are making fun of Jerry Jones but the Cowboys are still competitive and their issues are on run defense anyways. Their secondary is banged up and will be back to normal at some point in the season. Their offense is very good and they now have freed up cap space to do more with extensions this year and next or even bring in more free agents.
I would certainly do a first and a fourth.
Anymore than that and we'd regress... Crosby isn't cheap either so gotta think about cap space and resigning our talent too
There comes a time when you decide, this team is ready for a championship run, and you do what it takes to get you there.
Our offense, especially when completely healthy, is championship ready. Our defense, even when healthy, is not. In the playoffs you must be able to get pressure with 4. We cannot and it will be taken advantage of at some point of the playoffs. Get a guy like Crosby, and that makes Reddick and Yaya better as the #2 and 3 rushers.
If we’re truly as close as we think, then do it for a 1st and 3rd. Championship windows disappear quickly and for multiple reason. Let’s do it.
and their issues are on run defense anyways.
Their pass defense is ranked #32 in yards given up and #29 in passing scores allowed.
So, their issues are VERY MUCH with their passing defense.
It's god awful.
I would certainly do a first and a fourth.
Anymore than that and we'd regress... Crosby isn't cheap either so gotta think about cap space and resigning our talent too
What's his coverage grade though?
Nope.
No pass rusher is worth that. I know people are making fun of Jerry Jones but the Cowboys are still competitive and their issues are on run defense anyways. Their secondary is banged up and will be back to normal at some point in the season. Their offense is very good and they now have freed up cap space to do more with extensions this year and next or even bring in more free agents.
You're highlighting the struggle between "we could win a SB now" and maintaining a good competitive team over time.
Thats why its an interesting question.
I would certainly do a first and a fourth.
That seems possible given the two hypotheticals 2nd/4th versus two 1st.
Since it sort of relates to the Licht DE discussion is 2026 draft supposed to be good for pass rushers? and if so, is it possible you get a younger version of Crosby, even with a less expensive trade up?
@donkey_hunter Has ever even played stayed up Edge? Hes a DE right now
@donkey_hunter Has ever even played stayed up Edge? Hes a DE right now
Outside of dropping in coverage more often, it’s really not that much of difference. JPP mostly played in a 43 before coming to Tampa and he was fine.
Patrick Graham has been Crosby’s DC through three HC’s now and runs something of a hybrid 34. But he pretty much lets Crosby do his thing. I would hope Bowles would do something similar.
Crosby is the highest paid non-QB in the league. Finding the cap space for him would be tough even with this year being prorated. Licht needs those draft picks to keep the cap down by having starters on their rookie contracts. It just doesn't make sense capwise for the future when Baker is going to command a huge deal. It would be a real "win this year or bust" type of move, which isn't Licht's style.
