Raiders’ Crosby Trade Saga Continues; Tua Lands in Atlanta

Raiders’ Crosby Trade Saga Continues; Tua Lands in Atlanta

The NFL offseason continues to churn with major storylines, and the potential trade of Raiders star Max Crosby remains a hot topic. Meanwhile, Tua Tagovailoa has landed in Atlanta with the Falcons, looking for a career reset. Let’s break down what’s happening and what it means for these teams.

Max Crosby’s Future Uncertain Amidst Injury Concerns

A recent ESPN.com article detailed the fallout from a failed trade that would have sent star defensive end Max Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens reportedly backed off due to long-term concerns about a degenerative issue in Crosby’s knee. Despite this, other teams are still showing interest, but the Raiders’ asking price remains high.

The Cowboys, in particular, were aggressive in their pursuit of Crosby. Reports indicate they made three separate offers. Their first offer was a second-round pick (number 20 overall) along with defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa. The second offer included their top first-round pick (number 12 overall) and a third-round pick. Their final offer was their number 12 pick and a second-round pick. Ultimately, Baltimore ended up acquiring two first-round picks for a different player, and the Crosby trade was called off, with him remaining in Las Vegas.

You absolutely do [look to trade him]. You rather trade a player too soon than too late. In two to three years, that knee is not going to be better. It’s going to be three years older. The most value you’re going to get for him is right now. I would do it before the draft. I would use conditional picks, meaning a pick this year and then a pick next year based on how much he plays and how much he produces.

This sentiment comes from an analyst suggesting that the Raiders should still explore trading Crosby. The concern isn’t about his ability to play this year, but rather his durability for the next four or five seasons. With the Raiders potentially building for the future, getting maximum value now makes sense.

League insiders still expect Crosby to be traded, with the main question being ‘when.’ Even though the Raiders publicly stated they weren’t moving him, the fact that they explored a trade and made other roster moves suggests his long-term future with the team is uncertain. The trade could happen before the draft or even closer to the trade deadline.

Cowboys and Eagles Could Re-enter Crosby Sweepstakes

Given their aggressive pursuit, should the Cowboys get back in the business of acquiring Max Crosby? Many believe they should, along with a handful of other teams. While Crosby has stated he doesn’t want to leave Las Vegas now, the situation could change.

The offers made by Dallas, particularly the first-round pick and a third-rounder, are still considered fair value by some analysts. However, the Cowboys might be hesitant to give up a top draft pick if they have doubts about Crosby’s long-term health. The Raiders, on the other hand, might be more inclined to accept an offer now rather than risk his value decreasing further.

There are ways to structure a deal, perhaps involving picks like number 20 and their second-round pick (number 36). Despite having players like Rashan Gary and Donovan Wilson, Dallas is seen as a team that needs to take advantage of opportunities like this, especially if they aim to be championship contenders.

The Eagles are also mentioned as a potential suitor. Their general manager, Howie Roseman, is known for acquiring valuable players who may have seen their market value temporarily decrease. This situation with Crosby could be a classic Roseman move.

It’s important to note that Max Crosby will turn 29 this season. Since 2019, he has played significantly more edge snaps than any other player in the NFL. This indicates a lot of wear and tear, making the short-term impact he can provide even more valuable.

Tua Tagovailoa Embraces Competition in Atlanta

In a surprising turn of events, Tua Tagovailoa has signed with the Atlanta Falcons on a veteran minimum contract. He spoke to the media for the first time via FaceTime, a rather unusual method for introducing a new quarterback.

The Falcons plan to have Tua compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting quarterback job. This comes after Penix lost his starting role due to injury last season and Tua lost his starting job with the Dolphins. Tua seems ready for the challenge.

You’re either a competitor or you’re not. It you just don’t go from being a competitor to ah let me just relax a little bit. I just don’t think that’s how it works. You’re either a competitor or you’re not. And so I embrace the competition. I’m excited to work alongside with Mike and I’m excited to work, you know, with the team, with the guys. I think it’s going to be fun this year.

The decision to introduce Tua via FaceTime was seen as unusual, lacking the typical fanfare of a quarterback introduction. However, the focus is now on Tua’s potential comeback in Atlanta.

Some analysts believe Tua has landed in a perfect spot for a career resurgence. He has talented weapons around him, will play in a dome, and is in a division where weather isn’t a major factor. The team that won the division last year finished under .500.

The new Falcons regime, led by new offensive minds, will likely give Tua until around November to prove himself. If he plays well, even if not great, the Falcons will have a decision to make. Tua needs to prove he can stay healthy for an entire season and play at a high level for Atlanta not to consider other options in the future, especially given the injury histories of both Tua and Penix.

For Tua, this is a critical moment in his career. He has the chance to be a starter with a strong supporting cast and good coaching. However, the jury is still out. His performance last year was seen as a step back from his previous play, which was characterized by anticipation, ball placement, urgency, and aggression.

The Falcons are taking a low-risk, high-reward approach with Tua at just $1.3 million. They have questions about Michael Penix Jr.’s durability as well, stemming from his college career. If Tua plays well, this could be his job for years to come. It’s a chance for him to revive his career in a situation with minimal pressure and maximum upside.

Source: Tua Tagovailoa did a press conference from WHERE? 🧐 What does that mean for the Falcons? | Get Up (YouTube)