The Detroit Lions had a disappointing 2025 season, with a lot of reasons why that is. One of the issues that goes beyond last season last season is the lack of a formidable edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson. While Al-Quadin Muhammad had 11 sacks this past season, 7.5 of them came in three games.
Muhammad is also a free agent, and he could find a lucrative deal elsewhere. The Lions should be looking at all viable options to fill that void opposite Hutchinson anyway. While general manager Brad Holmes is not inclined to do it, a notable move to get that done is moving toward having to happen. Half-measures will no longer suffice.
Trade rumors around Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby are nothing new. But they are at a fever pitch earlier than in any other offseason, and thus far he has done nothing to put an end to the notion he wants out. He seems to think complaining about what's out there is good enough, when he has platforms (namely, two podcasts) to personally change the narrative.
Analyst thinks Lions are Maxx Crosby away from a big rebound in 2026
NFL.com rounded up a few of their analysts and had them pick the best trade destination for Crosby. Marc Ross went with the Lions.
"The Lions have so much talent on the roster, and it does appear their Super Bowl window is still open. However, Detroit missed the playoffs in 2025, showing that this league does fall in line with the "Not For Long" motto. Lions general manager Brad Holmes needs to make a significant move to improve the defense, which just finished the season ranked 18th in total D and 22nd in points allowed. Crosby would perfectly complement Aidan Hutchinson, forming a top pass-rush duo in Detroit. His play style fully aligns with Dan Campbell's GRIT mentality, and the Eastern Michigan product's homecoming would send Lions fans into a frenzy."
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Once upon a time, when asked hypothetically what other team he would play for if the Raiders were off the table, Crosby didn't hesitate to say the Lions. He is a native of Lepeer, Michigan and an Eastern Michigan alum, so the choice landed as fairly obvious when the question was posed.
The cost to acquire Crosby will be hefty--something along the line of multiple first-round picks, give or take, and possibly a player. Holmes has lamented how hard is to get another top-end edge rusher, while continually dismissing the Lions being in a Super Bowl window.
Being content to maintain the status quo is not working for the Lions, in terms of getting over the hump to a Super Bowl. Hopefully, the idea of bringing Crosby back to his home state hasn't already dismissed in Allen Park.