In the ever-churning rumor mill of the NFL trade deadline, whispers of blockbuster deals often dominate headlines, especially as struggling teams like the Las Vegas Raiders (2-5) weigh their options ahead of the November 4, 2025, cutoff. One such speculative narrative has linked Raiders superstar defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Kansas City Chiefs, the reigning back-to-back Super Bowl champions and current AFC West leaders at 6-1. However, a closer examination of the facts reveals that while Crosby’s future has sparked widespread discussion, any notion of an imminent trade to Kansas City remains firmly in the realm of fan speculation rather than substantiated reporting.

The Origin of the Rumor

The buzz around Crosby intensified following the Raiders’ lopsided 35-10 loss to the Chiefs on October 19, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium. Crosby, who has been a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense since being drafted in the fourth round in 2019, recorded just one tackle in the game before exiting with back and knee injuries. Post-game frustration was palpable, with some observers noting Crosby’s visible disappointment on the sideline. Social media erupted with calls for the Raiders to trade the 28-year-old edge rusher, including lighthearted suggestions that he “deserves to win” and should join a contender like Kansas City.

Yet, these ideas stem more from fan frustration than insider intel. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Crosby’s injuries as “doubtful to return,” but no credible sources have indicated any trade talks specifically involving the Chiefs. Instead, the primary rumors have centered on interest from the Dallas Cowboys, who reportedly inquired about Crosby after their own Week 7 loss to the Chiefs. Trey Wingo of Pro Football Network mentioned the Cowboys’ outreach, but emphasized that Las Vegas quickly rebuffed the idea.

Raiders’ Stance: Crosby Is Not on the Block

Raiders owner Mark Davis and team executives have been unequivocal in shutting down trade speculation. On October 17, 2025, Davis told The Athletic, “It’s unfortunate today, but there’s so much outside chatter that is not true. It’s not coming from any sources. It’s just not happening.” This was reiterated in a meeting with Crosby himself on October 21, where team officials assured him he would not be moved. Crosby, for his part, has publicly affirmed his loyalty, stating on October 22, “I’m not trynna leave…I wanna be here, I wanna be silver & black. I’ll say it loud & effing clear, I wanna be a Raider.”

Financially, a trade would be complex. According to Spotrac, moving Crosby would saddle the Raiders with $18 million in dead cap for 2025 and $5.1 million in 2026, while the acquiring team would inherit a contract with escalating cap hits: $20.3 million in 2025 (guaranteed), $30 million in 2026 (guaranteed), and non-guaranteed figures up to $28 million by 2029. For the Chiefs, who are already managing a tight cap with stars like Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones, absorbing such a deal without significant restructuring seems improbable without parting with key assets—something GM Brett Veach has historically avoided mid-season.

Why the Chiefs? A Hypothetical Fit, But Unlikely

The Chiefs’ defense, anchored by Jones and bolstered by recent additions like edge rusher Joshua Uche, ranks among the league’s best, allowing just 17.3 points per game through Week 7. Adding Crosby—a three-time Pro Bowler with 7.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 18 quarterback hits this season—would create a nightmare for opposing offenses. However, intra-division trades are rare, especially involving a divisional rival’s franchise player. The last notable AFC West swap was the Chargers sending Joey Bosa to the Broncos in 2022, but that was a salary dump, not a star-for-star deal.

Analysts like Brett Kollmann have noted that the Raiders’ poor performance might prompt a rebuild, but trading Crosby to a hated rival like Kansas City would alienate fans and contradict Davis’s commitment to competitiveness. Mock trades floating on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have suggested packages involving first-round picks and players like Chiefs wideout Xavier Worthy, but these are fan creations, not reports.

Broader Trade Landscape

While Crosby-to-Chiefs talk is unfounded, the Raiders are open to other moves. Wide receiver Davante Adams was traded to the Jets on October 15, signaling a potential seller status. Teams like the Lions, Bears, Bengals, and even the Packers have been hypothetically linked to Crosby in fan mockups, with proposed hauls including multiple first-round picks and young talent. But as NFL insider Dianna Russini noted in a recent mock scenario for the Eagles, any real deal for Crosby would require a “king’s ransom.”

Conclusion

As the trade deadline approaches, the NFL’s rumor cycle will continue to spin tales of dramatic deals. For now, the idea of Maxx Crosby donning Chiefs red appears to be just that—a tale without roots in reality. The Raiders are committed to their star, and unless a seismic shift occurs, Crosby will remain in silver and black, nursing his injuries and gearing up for the rest of a challenging 2025 season. Fans of both teams can breathe easy: no blockbuster is on the horizon.