Lions’ Dream of Landing Maxx Crosby Isn’t Over Yet—Could a Blockbuster Trade Be on the Horizon?
Detroit Lions fans have long hoped to see Maxx Crosby suit up in Honolulu Blue, and while the Las Vegas Raiders star has often pledged his loyalty to Vegas, recent buzz suggests a trade might not be out of the question.
NFL insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport recently included Crosby in a list of pass rushers who could be in for a “potentially wild 2025 offseason.” While he’s built a reputation as a “Raider for life,” they noted that his frustration with the team’s constant instability and lack of winning could push him to consider a fresh start.
With Pete Carroll now leading the Raiders, there’s a chance for more stability, but Vegas still lacks a true franchise quarterback and may need to reshape the roster. One way to accelerate that process? Trading Crosby for a haul of draft picks—and he might be open to it, especially if it means joining a playoff contender.
Detroit makes a lot of sense as a potential destination. Crosby, a Michigan native and Eastern Michigan alum, has deep ties to the area. The Lions are in desperate need of a premier pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson, and GM Brad Holmes has never been shy about making bold moves to improve the roster.
However, there’s competition. Pelissero and Rapoport specifically mentioned Green Bay as a possible suitor, and if Crosby does hit the trade market, plenty of teams will be interested. The cost will be high—he has two years and $44 million left on his contract—but for a game-changing edge rusher, the price might be worth it.
Adding to the speculation, Crosby has continued to publicly show love for Detroit sports. Following the Pistons’ recent win over the Hornets, he took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the team’s resurgence, noting that it’s been “too long” since they’ve been competitive.
Could he be eyeing a homecoming? If the Raiders make him available, expect Brad Holmes and the Lions’ front office to at least explore the possibility of bringing one of Michigan’s own back where he belongs.
