Mar 07, 2026
3 min read
Raiders star Max Crosby has sparked trade interest between the teams to watch with the Bears.Plus the latest NFL news on Kyler Murray, Mike Evans, A.J.Brown and more.
NFL Insider Notebook: Maxx Crosby Trade Buzz Grows, Kyler Murray's Next Team è Mike Evans' Market
The Chicago Raiders could be set to make a pass rusher move as teams around the league look to the trade market, quarterback moves and major free agency options.
If the price is right, only players in the NFL can be traded.In Las Vegas, sources believe the same is true of pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
The Raiders didn't seem interested in dealing Crosby this offseason, but several teams believe that's because Las Vegas wants a Micah Parsons-type trade to facilitate a deal.It's highly unlikely that Las Vegas will get two first-rounders and a young player for Crosby, but there are teams willing to give up a first-round pick and then some -- or picks matching it -- to get the 28-year-old Crosby, who has 68 sacks over the past three seasons, second-most in the NFL.
Multiple sources indicate that the Chicago Bears are a potential trade target for Crosby.The Bears aren't the only team interested in Crosby — sources say the Dallas Cowboys are lurking, but they could make the best deal if they can.The new league year starts on March 11.
What's unclear is whether Crosby will play through 2026 under his current contract.He signed a three-year, $109.5 million extension last March, making him the highest-paid goaltender in the league.The Raiders, led by first-year GM John Spytek, beat the market and paid Crosby at the top of the rushing position.Currently, Crosby's average annual contract value of $35.5 million is more than $10 million below the market cap and Parsons.
If Crosby is willing to play next season under his current contract, that would improve the offer for Las Vegas.If Crosby wants a raise, it will reduce the compensation sent to the Raiders.At least one source told CBS Sports he believes Crosby will play this season under his current contract.
The Bears have a normal distribution of draft picks for 2026, but Chicago can still be aggressive in acquiring a top-tier player, as Caleb Williams has a year left to play on his rookie contract.
Keller Murray rumors are gaining steam around the Vikings
The Colts locked up Daniel Jones in transition on Tuesday, and as I wrote earlier this week, a team like the Vikings is barred from pursuing him if the Vikings can't make room.As the Colts have the right of first refusal on Jones, the name most widely floated in Minnesota is quarterback Kyler Murray.
Things ended badly between Murray and the Cardinals organization, and it's clear that Arizona will have to release him this month.His release will be made official next week, and Murray can choose his own team as he is expected to sign a minimum salary of $1.3 million.Murray will compete with J.J. McCarthy for the right to be the starting quarterback this offseason.
Check out D.J.Moore Marketplace
One Bears player that many around the league are keeping an eye on is wide receiver D.J.Moore.The former first-round pick is coming off the least productive year of his career.The Patriots could be a landing spot for Moore if the Bears make a deal that includes the receiver, or he could be part of a hypothetical package that goes to a needy Las Vegas team in a deal for Crosby.
Moore is entering his ninth season in the league with a contract that runs until 2029, with his guaranteed money essentially running through the 2027 season.
A.J.Brown's future with the Eagles is uncertain
It's hard to get an outright yes or no on whether or not A.J.Brown will be a member of the Eagles next season.There are real ramifications for the Eagles to trade Brown before June 1, but GM Howie Roseman hasn't ruled out trading Brown.
Sources say Philadelphia is focused on finalizing contract extensions for Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, and the team is confident it can sign Jaelan Phillips to a contract before he leaves free agency after Philly traded a third player for him this fall.
Daniel Jones, take the tag bet for the Colts
While saving about $6 million in cap money, the Colts risk using the transition tag on Jones because another team could sign Jones to an offer sheet that Indy may or may not match.
But the logo change allows teams to talk to Jones without having to make two first-round picks, which makes him a pseudo-agent.That access allows the team to understand his health and recovery.
The Dolphins are trying to move Tua Tagovailoa's contract.
Despite Miami's efforts, the Dolphins were unable to find a replacement for Tua Tagovailoa's contract.
One top team executive told CBS Sports he plans to fight Tagovailoa if the Dolphins send a first-round pick for his contract cargo.It's the kind of deal the NFL frowns upon, and something that's only been done with Brock Osweiler at this level.The probability is overwhelmingly in favor of leaving.That would split the $99 million dead cap over two seasons and free up Tagovailoa to sign somewhere for the veteran minimum.
Tagovailoa only has room to play considering Cold's poor performance.A warm-weather team or a team that plays domes might be an option.
Kirk Cousins is in no rush to sign
Moving on to quarterbacks, in years past Kirk Cousins has been a big name in the second week of March.Very few people in the sports business have done as much timing as Cousins and his agency in terms of securing the bag: Cousins has earned more than $300 million during his 14-year career.But I don't feel like Cousins is rushing to sign anywhere too early.
Not much was said about him at the reunion.The biggest thought is Cousins, who is clearly feeling burned by the Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr.a month after making him a quarterback, they don't want to be in the same position again.This does not mean that Cousins will wait until after the draft at the end of April to sign somewhere, but comforted by the money he has earned and the eternal creation of the subject of demand in this group for the position he plays, Cousins can let things taste a little before making a move.
Mike Evans Free Agency Points
Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans is set to hit free agency next week, and there's a real chance he'll take his talents elsewhere.
It's early, but Houston and Kansas City don't appear to be on Evans, according to sources.If Evans doesn't return to Tampa Bay, look to the Bills, Chargers, 49ers, Commanders and Giants.His value will be difficult to measure, however.He'll be 33 this season coming off an injury-plagued year, and there aren't many outside comparisons to him.Evans could count on something closer to $25 million a year for about two years, but sources believe he will earn something closer to $20 million a year.
The Titans are targeting Wan'Dale Robinson
Tennessee's lack of interest in Evans could be because the Titans have their eye on Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson.Sources say Nashville could be Robinson's landing spot, and there are obvious reasons for that.The Titans have more than $90 million in cap space and a big need at receiver.Robinson, 25, is coming off a career year in New York with 1,014 receiving yards, and going to Tennessee will reunite with his former coach Brian Daboll, now the Titans' offensive coordinator.
The Cardinals are exploring their options at quarterback
The Cardinals might be willing to part ways with Jacoby Brissett if the team gets a decent Day 3 pick in return. Arizona, with new coach Mike LaFleur, could count on Malik Willis, but league sources point to Jimmy Garoppolo as well.If that's the case, Arizona will need a quality backup given Garoppolo's injury history.
Hawks can call Kyle Pitts
New Falcons GM Ian Cunningham said last week that 2026 will be "the last year we'll have five picks" in the upcoming draft.One way to get picks is to deal with current players.
While the Falcons will never trade standout running back John Robinson and an extension for wide receiver Derek London is sure to happen in the coming months, the team could ask about franchise-tagged tight end Kyle Pitts. His $15 million tag is a reasonable number to get a deal. Remember, the Falcons don't have a first-rounder in this year's draft after trading James Pierce Jr. last year.The charges could result in a lengthy suspension from Atlanta and possible release.
Running back helps
The Chiefs appear poised to attack the quarterback position this month.They don't think Jeremiah Love will fall to No. 9 (several of our draft analysts said he'll go one spot early, to New Orleans), so Kansas City won't wait until the draft.The Chiefs may not be in the mix for a top player like Kenneth Walker III, but a player in that $8 million per year range could be one for them.
The Jets face a difficult situation at quarterback
The Jets are in an unenviable position.Who wants to play quarterback for them?
Last year they paid Justin Fields $30 million for a year of work, and Fields didn't make it to half the year before the owner threw him under the bus.The head coach fired half the staff and hired veteran Frank Reich for the 2026 season as the year of the hot seat.
After trading away key pieces at the trade deadline to the AFC champion and archrival Buffalo Bills, the Jets are out of contention. With no one to start Week 1, free agent signings like Murray or Tagovailoa (remember, it's cold) or Kirk Cousins are out there.Gang Green could be traded for a former backup, but in today's NFL teams try to get the player's blessing before making a deal.
The Jets are facing getting someone who has been a backup recently, that they will overpay to entice the quarterback to play for them.And then chances are they'll enter 2027, where the quarterback draft numbers will be loaded with the likes of Arch Manning, Dante Moore, Julian Sayin and C.J. Carr.
Broncos eye running back
The Broncos are ready to bounce back next week.Denver is the reason the Jets used the franchise tag on Breece Hall rather than the transition tag, according to sources, making sure Denver doesn't have a chance to make an offer that the Jets reject.A few connections there underscore the tango: Jets general manager Darren Mougey is from Denver, while Hall identified Louis Ayen as high school coach and Broncos prospect drafted a few years ago.he at Iowa State before Ayeni left Ames for Northwestern and eventually the NFL.
The Broncos would be a good landing spot for Kenneth Walker III, but the team could choose Travis Etienne as the cheapest player.
The Kenneth Walker III market is booming
As for Walker in particular, it was mentioned above that he is likely outside of the prime price range.Denver could be the place for him as Bo Nix continues on his rookie contract.The next place I can see him is Jacksonville.The Jaguars parted ways with Etienne and are happy with the dreaded Tutten.But GM James Gladstone has shown in just one year that he will always be aggressive when it comes to roster construction.
Walker's return to Seattle also can't be ruled out.The Seahawks have a history of letting their guys try to make a trade.
