By Moses Joshua 
Subtitle: Detroit could form the NFL’s most feared pass-rushing duo if they pull off a blockbuster move for the Raiders’ star defender.
Lions Emerge as a Top Suitor for Maxx Crosby
With the Las Vegas Raiders sitting at 2-5 and inching closer to a full-blown rebuild, trade speculation surrounding Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby has reached a fever pitch. As one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers, Crosby would instantly transform any defense—and few teams appear as ready to make a splash as the Detroit Lions.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton recently linked Detroit to the star pass-rusher, naming them as one of the most logical trade partners for Las Vegas. Moton proposed that the Lions could land Crosby in exchange for a massive package: first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, a fourth-round pick in 2026, a fifth-rounder in 2027, and defensive tackle Roy Lopez.
“From a football perspective, Detroit would have arguably the league’s best pass-rushing duo with Crosby and Aidan Hutchinson bookending its defensive line,” Moton wrote. “The Raiders would find the most value in the Lions’ draft capital. They can insert Lopez into their defensive line rotation to strengthen a unit that’s allowed nine rushing touchdowns in seven games.”
Crosby’s Fit in Detroit: A Hometown Hero Returns?
Beyond the on-field fit, the connection between Crosby and Detroit runs deep. The 28-year-old Eastern Michigan alum grew up a Lions fan, and a return to Michigan would represent a homecoming for the defensive star.
Statistically, Crosby’s production continues to rank among the league’s elite. This season, he’s tied for the Raiders’ team lead with four sacks, while also totaling 28 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five passes defensed, one interception, and a forced fumble. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s generated 25 pressures, 15 hurries, and six quarterback hits—numbers that underscore his relentless impact on opposing offenses.
Pairing Crosby with Aidan Hutchinson would give the Lions a fearsome one-two punch on the edges, a duo capable of wrecking game plans and redefining Detroit’s defensive identity.
The Salary-Cap Hurdle
While the move makes sense from a football perspective, the financial implications are significant. Crosby is in the middle of a three-year, $106.5 million contract, which carries a $35.16 million cap hit this season and $35.8 million next year.
The Lions, however, have $25.12 million in available cap space, leaving room for creative accounting if the front office truly wants to make the deal work. Moton notes that Detroit could restructure Crosby’s deal in future seasons to balance the books—especially since Hutchinson remains on his rookie contract through 2026.
“It’s worth noting that Crosby doesn’t have any dead money on his contract beyond the 2026 season,” Moton explained. “Hutchinson’s rookie deal runs through 2026. In 2027, the Lions can start to pay Hutchinson his new money and restructure Crosby’s contract to make it all work under the salary cap.”
A Franchise-Changing Move on the Horizon?
Adding Crosby would signal Detroit’s transition from a promising playoff contender to a legitimate Super Bowl threat. Head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have been deliberate in their roster building, but this move would mark a bold declaration of intent: the Lions are all-in on chasing a championship.
If the Raiders ultimately decide to part ways with their defensive cornerstone, the Lions—armed with cap flexibility, draft capital, and a rising young roster—might just be the team best positioned to bring Maxx Crosby home.