Maxx Crosby
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 14: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs off the field after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 14, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Detroit Lions have caught some heat for letting their second-best pass-rusher depart in free agency without replacing him, but they may get a second chance at rectifying that via a Maxx Crosby deal in the weeks to come.
Crosby appears back in play all of a sudden after he and the Las Vegas Raiders unexpectedly reunited earlier this month. The Baltimore Ravens agreed to send Las Vegas two first-round picks for Crosby, but pulled out of the agreement after the five-time Pro Bowler failed a physical due to his recently repaired knee.
Crosby took to social media in the aftermath of the shocking news, which sent ripples throughout the NFL, saying he was a Raider and that was that.
Maxx Crosby
Everything Happens For A Reason. Believe Nothing You Hear & Half Of What You See. Im A Raider. I’m Back. Run That Sh*t. 🦅🏴☠️
But then Jeremy Fowler of ESPN appeared on an episode of “SportsCenter” on Sunday, March 15 and said the bidding on Crosby has never really closed.
“Everybody seems like they’re in a good spot, but since [the Raiders] already looked at trading, they’re open to that possibility, potentially, if the right offer would come,” Fowler said, according to Doric Sam of Bleacher Report. “We’re looking at timelines here. Now is gonna be a little slow, but you get closer to the draft, perhaps trade offers will heat up, or even maybe closer to the season. But right now, he’s a Raider, and that’s expected for at least a little while.”
Lions May Be Able to Get Better Deal on Maxx Crosby After Collapse of Ravens, Raiders Trade
Maxx Crosby reacts during a Raiders game as trade drama erupts after Ravens deal collapse
GettyLas Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby.
Detroit could be in an even better position now to land Crosby following all of the drama of the last few days, as there is little question that Crosby’s market has taken a hit.
His surgeon and agent have been fervent in their messaging that Crosby is recovering as scheduled and will be back to his full strength for the 2026 season. However, the Ravens’ decision raised eyebrows around the NFL and brought skepticism both to Crosby’s health and how Baltimore’s front office operates.
Even if all of that doesn’t impact future trade negotiations meaningfully, which is unlikely, the edge-rush market has changed significantly over the first week of free agency.
The Ravens pivoted to Trey Hendrickson, while the Washington Commanders inked Odafe Oweh. Both got nine-figure contracts spanning four seasons.
The Dallas Cowboys made a deal for former Green Bay Packers pass-rusher Rashan Gary and said they weren’t interested in re-entering the Crosby sweepstakes after putting up an offer of a first-rounder and second-rounder for him before the Raiders got two firsts from Baltimore.
Khalil Mack returned to the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year contract and former Lions defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad inked a $6 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after posting a career-best 11 sacks in 2025.
Lions Were Linked to Aggressive Pursuit of Maxx Crosby During NFL Combine
Detroit Lions linebacker Al-Quadin Muhammad (96) during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Ford Field.
GettyDetroit Lions pass-rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad.
That the Lions didn’t bring Muhammad back when they could have had him for an inexpensive, one-year contract begs the question of whether Detroit wants to make a bigger move across from Aidan Hutchinson.
Crosby could be that move, as the team was reportedly interested in an aggressive pursuit of him as recently as the NFL combine in late February.
“According to many in league circles, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes was more than willing to be aggressive to meet the trade demands of the Las Vegas Raiders, which included parting ways with two-first round draft picks,” John Maakaron of SI wrote. “Detroit’s entire coaching staff and front office were in agreement that adding Crosby would have been a move that would instantly put the team in serious contention to win the Super Bowl.”
Detroit owns pick Nos. 17 and 50 in this year’s draft, which would be a stronger offer than the Chicago Bears‘ best package of pick Nos. 25 and 57 in Rounds 1 and 2, respectively.