Seattle Seahawks Reportedly Offered QB Geno Smith and WR DK Metcalf for Las Vegas Raiders Star Maxx Crosby, Before the Raiders Shut It Down
In a move that has sent shockwaves across the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks reportedly offered a significant trade package to the Las Vegas Raiders, involving quarterback Geno Smith and wide receiver DK Metcalf in exchange for star defensive end Maxx Crosby. This high-stakes, blockbuster trade proposal, first reported by multiple NFL insiders, was quickly rejected by the Raiders, who have firmly made it clear that they are not interested in parting ways with their star pass rusher.
The proposed trade raised eyebrows across the league for several reasons: not only does it include two of Seattle’s most high-profile and talented players, but it also signals the Seahawks’ ambitious approach to improving their team for the future. Geno Smith, who has revitalized his career in Seattle, and DK Metcalf, one of the league’s most physically dominant wide receivers, would undoubtedly have made for an intriguing pairing in Las Vegas. However, the question remains—was this offer a fair value for Maxx Crosby, and why did the Raiders turn it down?
Maxx Crosby’s Importance to the Raiders
Maxx Crosby has firmly established himself as one of the top pass rushers in the NFL, and it’s no surprise that the Raiders would be extremely reluctant to part with him. Since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Crosby has blossomed into the heart and soul of the Raiders’ defense, developing into one of the most feared edge rushers in the league.
In his first four seasons, Crosby has posted impressive numbers, totaling 44 sacks and 106 quarterback hits, as well as consistently ranking among the top players in the NFL for pressures on the quarterback. His relentless motor, ability to disrupt opposing offenses, and leadership in the locker room have made him indispensable to the Raiders’ defensive scheme.
Crosby’s ability to impact the game goes far beyond his sack total. His edge-setting against the run and his versatility in moving around the defensive line to create mismatches make him one of the most valuable defensive players in the league. As a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense, Crosby has earned a reputation as a player who can change the course of a game with a single play, whether it’s a sack, forced fumble, or critical stop on third down.
When it comes to building a championship-caliber defense, a player like Crosby is invaluable. He’s the type of player who can be the centerpiece of a defense, and it’s no surprise that the Raiders are so protective of him. In a league that places such a premium on pass rushers, it’s clear that Crosby is one of the cornerstones the Raiders hope to build around in their pursuit of a playoff berth and eventually a Super Bowl.
The Seahawks’ Bold Offer
The fact that Seattle, a team coming off a playoff appearance in 2023, was willing to offer such a hefty package for Crosby speaks volumes about their ambition and long-term vision. Geno Smith, who had a career renaissance with the Seahawks, was offered as the centerpiece of the deal, alongside Metcalf, one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers. Both players have been crucial to Seattle’s offensive success in recent years, and pairing them with a top-tier pass rusher like Crosby would undoubtedly have made the Seahawks a much more dangerous team on both sides of the ball.
Geno Smith: A Career Revived
Geno Smith’s rise from a backup quarterback to the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2022 is one of the most remarkable stories in recent NFL history. After spending years as a journeyman quarterback, bouncing between several teams, Smith found his stride in Seattle under head coach Pete Carroll’s system. He threw for over 4,000 yards in 2022, leading the Seahawks to a wild card playoff appearance and proving that he was capable of leading a team to success.
Smith’s strong arm, ability to read defenses, and decision-making were all on display during his resurgence in Seattle, and he is now widely regarded as a stable, experienced starting quarterback. His leadership and veteran presence would have given the Raiders an experienced option at quarterback, especially given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding their quarterback position.
However, while Smith’s career renaissance has been impressive, the Raiders may not have seen him as the long-term answer at quarterback. The team has been linked to various potential quarterbacks in the past few seasons, including some of the top young stars in the league, and it’s possible that the team didn’t view Smith as the centerpiece of their future.
DK Metcalf: A Physical Freak
DK Metcalf, meanwhile, is one of the most physically imposing wide receivers in the NFL. At 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, Metcalf is a physical freak of nature, combining elite size and speed to make him one of the most dangerous deep threats in the league. He’s a dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field with his speed and overpower defenders with his strength. In 2023, Metcalf posted over 1,100 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, continuing to solidify his status as one of the top wide receivers in the league.
For the Raiders, Metcalf would have been a tantalizing addition to their receiving corps. While Davante Adams remains one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, the addition of Metcalf could have given the team a unique one-two punch at the position. Adams is known for his route-running and technical ability, while Metcalf’s physicality and speed would have provided a complementary skill set.
However, the Raiders have other pressing needs on their roster, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. As talented as Metcalf is, the Raiders may have felt that they were better off building around their defense and maintaining the strength of their pass rush. Metcalf, though an exciting player, may not have been the right piece to solve the team’s current roster challenges.
Why the Raiders Turned It Down
Ultimately, the Raiders’ decision to reject the Seahawks’ offer likely boils down to one key factor: the value they place on Maxx Crosby. Crosby has established himself as one of the most disruptive players in the league, and the Raiders have made it clear that they view him as a foundational piece of their defense. While Geno Smith and DK Metcalf are both high-caliber players, the Raiders likely believe that Crosby is worth more to their team than the combined value of Smith and Metcalf.
Additionally, the Raiders have historically struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which is why a player like Crosby is so invaluable to them. In today’s NFL, the ability to disrupt the quarterback is one of the most important traits a defense can have, and losing Crosby would significantly hinder the Raiders’ ability to compete in the AFC West, a division that features elite quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert.
Furthermore, while the Raiders are in need of a long-term solution at quarterback, the team has other avenues to pursue that don’t involve trading away one of their top defensive players. With the NFL draft approaching, the Raiders have the opportunity to select a quarterback of the future, one who could potentially lead the team for the next decade. The risk of trading Crosby away for a quarterback like Geno Smith, who may only be a short-term solution, was likely too great for the Raiders to justify.
The Seahawks’ Motivation
For the Seahawks, the idea of trading for Maxx Crosby makes perfect sense, especially considering the current state of their roster. While the Seahawks boast one of the most dynamic offenses in the league, with Smith at quarterback and Metcalf leading the receiving corps, their defense could certainly use an upgrade. Adding Crosby to their pass rush would immediately bolster their ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, something that has been an area of concern for Seattle in recent seasons.
However, the Seahawks’ offer, while bold, was likely seen as insufficient by the Raiders. The combination of a 32-year-old quarterback in Smith and a wide receiver in Metcalf, while valuable, may not have been enough to persuade the Raiders to part with a player of Crosby’s caliber. The Raiders are likely more focused on improving their defense and continuing to build a competitive team around Crosby’s talents, which is why the offer was swiftly shut down.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
For the Raiders, the focus will now shift to continuing to build around their defense and finding the right pieces to complement their star pass rusher. While Crosby remains untouchable, the team’s attention may turn to bolstering their secondary, improving their defensive line depth, and potentially making a move to find their quarterback of the future.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks will likely continue to look for ways to improve their defense, but they may have to pursue alternative methods to do so. With an impressive offensive core already in place, adding a top-tier pass rusher could make Seattle one of the most dangerous teams in the NFC. However, the Seahawks will need to find a way to acquire a top defensive player without giving up key pieces like Smith or Metcalf.
Conclusion
The reported trade offer of Geno Smith and DK Metcalf for Maxx Crosby is one of the most intriguing and controversial trade proposals to surface in recent NFL memory. While the Seahawks’ ambition to improve their defense by adding one of the top pass rushers in the league is understandable, the Raiders have made it clear that they consider Crosby to be an essential building block of their future. As the NFL offseason progresses, all eyes will remain on both teams as they continue to make moves to shape their rosters for the 2025 season and beyond. For now, Maxx Crosby is staying put in Las Vegas, and the Raiders’ defense remains in good hands with their star edge rusher at the helm.
