An LA Rams beat writer may have stumbled into a future blockbuster trade

Many fans and NFL draft analysts were up in arms over a perceived failure of the Los Angeles Rams to sweeten the roster at the wide receiver position more thoroughly. But those protests missed what may prove to be a larger oversight, as the team failed to reinforce a pass rush that seemed to weaken as the season wore on.

And it's that reluctance to add more talent that may have prompted The Athletic's Rams reporter, Nate Atkins, to tap his creativity when responding to fans' questions about the team's offseason strategy. So, he alluded to the potential Rams interest in Las Vegas Raiders elite pass rusher, Maxx Crosby.

But before fans run with this rumor, Atkins was very specific about the prerequisite conditions that would set up a possible trade. The Raiders would have to struggle early in 2026. The mended relationship between Crosby and the team would need to fray once more. And Los Angeles must believe the roster requires pass-rush help.

Easy peasy, right?

History of Rams upgrading roster in mid-season is well known

While not all NFL teams view the annual trade deadline as a landmark date, the LA Rams upgraded their roster by trading for veteran outside linebacker Von Miller in 2021. That stroke of genius catapulted the team into Super Bowl winners. The similarities of adding elite veteran Maxx Crosby beg comparison to that successful strategy.

As Nate Atkins put it:

"I’d also keep an eye on Maxx Crosby. He seems to have mended things with the Las Vegas Raiders after the trade to the Baltimore Ravens was reversed, but the organization’s approach could change if the Raiders hit another tough start to a season," as per The Athletic's Nate Atkins

Well, there it is. Maxx Crosby has been linked to the Rams. While it may seem like someone just spitballing whatever comes to mind, that same trade projection mindset foreshadowed Les Snead's blockbuster trade for cornerback Trent McDuffie

It's something to keep on the radar. If you are in the pro-blockbuster-trade category, you already know that you have to root against the Las Vegas Raiders to put them in a trade-friendly mindset. After that? Well, it's wait and see.

As always, thanks for reading.

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