It's déjà vu for the Detroit Lions and their fans. The team needs a pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson, and an elite, but disgruntled, pass rusher could become available.
Amid various reports that Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby is "likely done" with the Raiders, the latest reports suggest how abundantly the Eastern Michigan alumnus has made his desire clear.
NFL Insider Jason La Canfora shared on SportsBoom that Crosby has gone as far as informing Raiders minority owner and legendary quarterback Tom Brady that he wants out.
An unnamed general manager speaking on the matter, who La Canfora notes would be interested in acquiring Crosby, said, "He told Tom Brady he will never play for the Raiders again," adding, "That's a fact. He told them he'll retire before he ever plays for them again."
Crosby has publicly shut down reports about his desire to leave the Raiders, and has said he's sticking with the Raiders as recently as his interview on Don't @ Me w/ Dan Dakich suring Super Bowl weekend.
As for why, reports continue to circulate that Crosby was "lived," as La Canfora describes it, that he was forced to sit out the Raiders' final two games, despite his belief that he was healthy enough to play.
The Raiders would go 1-1 in those two games, but still secured the #1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Crosby did undergo a minor meniscus repair surgery after the Raiders' season concluded, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
Rapoport reports that Crosby is ahead of schedule in his recovery, but won't likely be medically cleared when the new league year begins on March 11th.
Will Maxx Crosby actually be traded?
There's definitely a reason why this feels like déjà vu. Similar drama unfolded last season with Cleveland Browns past and present Defensive Player of the Year winner Myles Garrett and Cincinnati Bengals impending free agent Trey Hendrickson.
In both cases, each pass rusher would sign a new deal and remain with their current franchise. It should not be considered a shock if that same result occurs here.
READ MORE: Aidan Hutchinson sounds like every Lions fan reacting to Maxx Crosby rumors
Crosby also carries with him a hefty $38.8 million cap hit for 2026, according to Spotrac, which would be difficult for the already financially restricted Lions. That cap hit falls below $30 million for the remaining three years of his contract before he enters unrestricted free agency in 2030.
Unless the Lions and Raiders are willing to swap contracts, with the Lions shipping out someone like defensive end Alim McNeill, it's tough to see Crosby ending up on the Lions. But so long as the possibility remains, it'll continue to be worth keeping tabs on both for the Lions as they look improve on a 9-8 roster, and their fans who are eager for a Super Bowl-winner.