PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania — Before the NFL world became consumed by the storylines surrounding A.J. Brown and Myles Garrett, another superstar pass rusher was generating headlines across the league.

For weeks, executives, scouts, and analysts closely monitored a situation that had the potential to reshape the balance of power in the AFC.

At one point, multiple reports indicated that the Las Vegas Raiders had reached a preliminary agreement to send one of their biggest stars to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a package centered around multiple first-round draft picks.

The deal appeared all but finalized.

Then everything changed.

During the final stages of the medical evaluation process, the Ravens reportedly discovered concerning issues involving the player’s knee.

Baltimore ultimately backed out of the trade, causing one of the biggest blockbuster deals of the offseason to collapse at the last minute.

The defensive star returned to Las Vegas and quickly reaffirmed his commitment to the Raiders organization.

For a time, many believed the trade rumors had finally disappeared.

However, numerous league executives continued to believe the story would eventually resurface.

As expected, speculation exploded again on Thursday when the player was linked to one of the AFC’s premier championship contenders — the Pittsburgh Steelers.

That player is Maxx Crosby, the owner of the richest contract ever awarded to an edge rusher in NFL history. His current deal is worth $106.5 million, including an astonishing $91.5 million in guaranteed money, one of the largest guaranteed figures ever given to a defensive player.

According to league sources, the Steelers have recently engaged in preliminary trade discussions with the Raiders regarding the possibility of acquiring Crosby.

Although negotiations remain in the early stages, Pittsburgh’s willingness to initiate contact immediately attracted significant attention around the NFL.

Sources familiar with the discussions indicate that Las Vegas is demanding a substantial return.

One reported framework would require Pittsburgh to send its 2027 and 2028 first-round selections along with a 2028 fifth-round pick.

Another proposal reportedly includes Pittsburgh’s 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 third-round selection, and a young offensive asset.

The Steelers, however, have reportedly responded by requesting a lower price.

League insiders say Pittsburgh’s front office remains concerned about Crosby’s knee condition, the same issue that previously caused Baltimore to walk away from a potential trade.

What makes the situation noteworthy is that Pittsburgh has not stepped away from negotiations.

Instead, the Steelers continue to maintain dialogue with the Raiders.

That alone suggests that one of the AFC’s most respected franchises is genuinely interested in completing a deal.

Several NFL analysts believe Pittsburgh could ultimately acquire Crosby for significantly less than Las Vegas’ initial asking price.

If that happens, the impact across the AFC could be enormous.

The Steelers already possess one of the league’s most talented defensive cores and continue to be viewed as a legitimate contender.

Adding Crosby would instantly elevate an already dangerous defense.

More importantly, it could create one of the NFL’s most feared edge-rushing tandems.

Crosby’s relentless motor, elite pass-rushing production, and nonstop intensity combined with T.J. Watt’s game-changing explosiveness, power, and finishing ability could become a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators.

The AFC is loaded with elite quarterbacks.

Pittsburgh understands that the most effective way to slow them down is by generating constant pressure from both edges.

For now, discussions remain preliminary.

But if the Steelers succeed in landing Crosby at a more reasonable price, fans may soon witness one of the most devastating edge-rushing duos the NFL has ever seen wearing black and gold.