The Detroit Lions have only one bonafide edge-rusher under contract for 2026 and beyond in superstar Aidan Hutchinson, who spoke during Super Bowl week on the trade rumors swirling around Maxx Crosby and the Lions’ viability as suitors for the five-time Pro Bowler.
Hutchinson joined Kay Adams of “Up & Adams” on Thursday, February 5 and addressed the possibility of teaming up with Crosby next season.
“It sounds right,” Hutchinson said. “I was hearing some rumblings about it. In the event that it did happen, that would be so dangerous. And me and Maxx have a great relationship, I’d love to play with him.”
Hutchinson added that he and Crosby talk from time to time, either when they “see each other on occasion” or via direct messages on social media. He added that both men immensely respect the game of the other.
Relationship Between Maxx Crosby, Raiders Fraught and Likely to End This Offseason
GettyLas Vegas Raiders edge-rusher Maxx Crosby.
The number of NFL teams interested in Crosby if he hits the trade market will be extensive, which also means he will be expensive.
Jay Glazer of Fox Sports offered educated speculation on Wednesday that Crosby’s relationship with the Las Vegas Raiders is likely to end following years of losing and specific conflict down the stretch last season, as the team sat Crosby for the last two games against his wishes.
Las Vegas cited injury concerns, though losing both contests also positioned the team for the No. 1 overall draft pick and the ability to select Heisman Trophy winner and National Champion QB Fernando Mendoza out of Indiana.
“Maxx Crosby’s time with the Raiders is most likely DONE, per @JayGlazer 👀,” Yahoo Sports reported.
Maxx Crosby May Cost More in Trade Return Than Packers Paid Cowboys for Micah Parsons
GettyGreen Bay Packers pass-rusher Micah Parsons.
Glazer estimated that Crosby’s trade price will exceed what the Green Bay Packers paid the Dallas Cowboys to obtain Micah Parsons, which was two first-round picks and three-time former Pro Bowler/defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
Beyond that, Crosby has four years remaining on his contract, the final three of which are part of a $106.5 million extension. The combined cost of that contract and the draft capital the Lions would have to send out to acquire Crosby in a highly competitive marketplace may simply not add up for Detroit.
“The likelihood of him coming to Detroit is high? No, just given with the amount of guys that they have to pay in the building that are already there,” Hutchinson told Adams. “But in a dream world, though, it sounds really good and it sounds right, which I’m all for.”
The Lions were the beneficiaries of an unexpected breakout season from defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad, who had a career year with 11 sacks and nine tackles for loss at age 30. However, Muhammad is a free agent in March and likely to seek a significant raise after playing on a one-year deal worth just $1.4 million in 2025.
Spotrac projects Muhammad will command roughly $8 million annually over a new two-year contract after earning a total of $13.75 million across his eight-year NFL career.
A two-campaign agreement worth less than $16 million is hardly overly expensive for a quality edge-rusher, a position of top need/value across the league. However, Muhammad’s success in 2025 breeds uncertainty, both as to whether he can repeat it moving forward and whether Detroit can bring him back given the potential interest he might garner elsewhere in free agency.
Aidan Hutchinson Sounds Off on Maxx Crosby, Lions Trade Rumor