Star edge rusher Maxx Crosby may be headed to the trade block, and the Detroit Lions could be at the front of the line.
Crosby has reportedly expressed his frustrations with the direction of the Las Vegas Raiders and is seeking an exit before the team’s next rebuilding steps. A new report indicates that Detroit may be a top destination for the $106.5 million star.
Maxx Crosby Puts Lions as Top Pick
Crosby was reportedly unhappy with the team’s decision to place him on injured reserve for the final two games of the season while he felt healthy enough to play. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that Crosby has made it clear that he wants to be traded, even if he hasn’t made an outright trade demand.
“Maxx Crosby isn’t coming right out and saying it. But to coaches and general managers around the league, it’s pretty obvious. The Las Vegas Raiders’ star edge rusher would be highly interested in pursuing a change of scenery,” Russini reported.
“Crosby remains under contract, but there’s a strong sense in league circles that he could be there for the taking, despite the Raiders likely demanding a high price (think a Micah Parsons-like package). Las Vegas is not expected to try to make Crosby stay if he truly wants out.”
That could be good news for the Lions, who have been seeking a competent counterpart to star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. SI.com’s Christian Booher reported that Crosby may already have his eye on Detroit.
“The Las Vegas Raiders and star defensive end Maxx Crosby could be parting ways this offseason. According to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation, if the decision is made by the Raiders’ front office to trade the 28-year-old, the Detroit Lions are Crosby’s clear first choice,” Booher reported.
The price would likely be high, with Russini suggesting the Raiders could match the asking price for Parsons — a pair of first-round picks plus a player.
Lions Would Have Some Competition
Russini believes there could be a different frontrunner for Crosby’s services, saying he could have a strong desire to play for New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.
“Crosby once told me he’d love to play for Mike Vrabel, and it’s easy to see why they’d be a good match,” Russini wrote. “The reality is, if Crosby does become available, the Patriots would be just one of many interested teams. It’s unclear how this will play out, but I’m increasingly skeptical he’ll play a down for Kubiak.”
The Lions could be in the market to make a big move, with the Super Bowl window for Jared Goff and the offense likely not staying open too much longer. The Lions fell short of the playoffs in 2025 after having won the NFC North in the previous two seasons, and will continue to face a tough division with both the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears on the rise.
The Lions have struggled to find a consistent counterpart to Hutchinson off the edge, and Crosby could solidify their pass rush.
Lions Get Unexpected Good News Amid Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors