Maxx Crosby.
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The Maxx Crosby trade deal finally happened, but the Detroit Lions have a reason to be happy about the result. Here's why.
The much talked-about Maxx Crosby trade finally happened, and the lucky team to get him wasn’t the Detroit Lions. But, all isn’t lost, it things could have gone a much worse way with any Crosby trade.
Late on Friday, March 6, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that after weeks of chatter, the Baltimore Ravens sealed the deal to trade for Crosby. It was heartbreaking news for those in the Lions’ camp who have wanted to see Crosby back in his home state of Michigan and paired with elite edge in Aidan Hutchinson, but he can’t do it alone. Having a veteran, such as Crosby, by his side would make for a dynamic, and very intimidating, defensive roster for Detroit.
But, it wasn’t meant to be. In a post on X, Schefter stated, “ESPN sources: the Raiders agreed to trade five-time Pro-Bowl DE Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for 2026 and 2027 first-round picks.”
He added, “The trade cannot be processed until next week, but it is in place. And Crosby is expected to be a Raven with two 1s back to Vegas.”
Oh, what could have been. Crosby is being traded at his career peak, so that’s why the Ravens had to give up so much to get him with Lamar Jackson and company. According to NFL research, during the 2025 NFL regular season, Crosby recorded 73 total tackles, 10 sacks, 28 tackles for loss and one interception. Those are elite numbers. But, it’s okay, and here’s why.
At Least Maxx Crosby Didn’t Go to the Chicago Bears
Heading into the weekend, the Chicago Bears emerged as the favorite to get Crosby. As of Thursday, March 5, according to Kalshi, the Bears had surged ahead in predictions, and right below them, it was Crosby just staying in Las Vegas.
In a Thursday, March 5 feature for For the Win, Robert Zeglinski reported that the timing of the DJ Moore trade was ideal for the Bears.
The trade “means an additional $16.5 million is now available for the Bears to work with,” he said in the piece. “When now-retired center Drew Dalman’s departure is made official, the Bears will have about another $10 million available, giving them just about $34 million in cap space without any more cuts or trades (Tremaine Edmunds?).”
He added, “Factor in the second-round draft pick the Bills sent to the Bears for Moore, and Chicago now also has a solid war chest to work with in terms of trade assets.”
Plus, he pointed out that “it doesn’t feel like a coincidence that reports that the Las Vegas Raiders were more open to trading Maxx Crosby came out right after the terms of the Bears’ Moore trade were finalized. Lest anyone forget, the Bears have apparently been the favorite for Crosby, should he leave Las Vegas, all week.”
So, yes, seeing Crosby with the Lions’ arch rivals, the Chicago Bears, and former offensive coordinator in Ben Johnson would have been too much to handle. It could have also been a setback to have him with a team in the NFC North.
Another Silver Lining for the Detroit Lions in Maxx Crosby Trade
One more silver lining is that Crosby didn’t go to a rival at all. He didn’t end up in the NFC, even. He’s with the Baltimore Ravens, a team that the Lions rarely have to face. So, at least we won’t have to watch him with another NFC powerhouse.
Chin up, Lions friends. But, Brad Holmes better get serious about finding a solid edge to pair with Hutchinson soon.