Could Maxx Crosby Be the Missing Piece in Detroit? A Trade Could Open the Lions’ Super Bowl Window
Maxx Crosby has never been shy about his love for Detroit. The Michigan native once said that if he couldn’t stay with the Raiders, the Lions would be his dream destination.
That wasn’t just lip service-it was a clear message from a player who wears his heart on his sleeve. But that was two years ago.
Fast forward to 2026, and things are a little more complicated.
Crosby is still with the Raiders, sitting on a hefty $35.8 million cap hit for the upcoming season. His contract runs through 2029, when he’ll be 32.
That’s a lot of money tied up in one player, even one as dominant as Crosby. And while the Raiders haven’t officially put him on the trade block, FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer made waves during Super Bowl week when he said he doesn’t expect Crosby to be back in Vegas next season.
That’s where Detroit enters the conversation.
The Fit: Crosby in the Lions’ Front Seven
Let’s not overthink this-Crosby in Honolulu Blue would be a nightmare for opposing offenses. Pairing him with Aidan Hutchinson off the edge would give Detroit a pass-rushing duo that could go toe-to-toe with any in the league. Add in interior presence from Tyleik Williams and potentially Roy Lopez, and suddenly you’re looking at a front four that could dominate games from the trenches.
Crosby brings relentless motor, elite production, and leadership-everything Dan Campbell preaches. He’s not just a splashy addition; he’s a culture fit. And for a Lions team that’s knocking on the door of serious contention, this kind of move could kick that door down.
The Trade Math: What Would It Take?
Now, here’s the tricky part. Crosby’s contract is massive, and that gives Detroit some leverage in negotiations. The Raiders might want a Micah Parsons-type return-two first-round picks and a starting-caliber defensive lineman-but that’s a tough ask when you’re also asking a team to absorb nearly $36 million in cap space.
Detroit could counter with a more balanced offer: their 2026 first-round pick, a second-rounder in 2027, and a proven starter in Alim McNeill. McNeill is a solid player, but he’s also carrying a $28.9 million cap hit next season. Moving him in this deal would help the Lions balance the books while still giving Las Vegas a quality piece in return.
If the Lions can also work out a team-friendly deal with Roy Lopez, they’d have a starting front of Hutchinson, Lopez, Williams, and Crosby. That’s not just solid-that’s championship-caliber.
Why It Makes Sense for Detroit
This isn’t just about adding a star. It’s about making a calculated push during a very real Super Bowl window.
The Lions have built patiently through the draft, developed young talent, and now they’re in a position to swing big. Adding a player like Crosby signals to the locker room-and the league-that Detroit is all-in.
Yes, giving up premium draft capital stings. But when you’re this close, and a player of Crosby’s caliber becomes available, you make the call. Especially when the financials allow you to move money around and keep the rest of your core intact.
Why It’s a Tough Sell for Vegas
From the Raiders’ side, it’s a tough pill to swallow. Crosby is the face of their defense and one of the few true foundational pieces on the roster. But if they’re entering a rebuild-or at least a reset-moving on from that contract could give them flexibility they desperately need.
That said, they can’t expect top-tier draft compensation and relief from Crosby’s massive deal. If they want to move him, they’ll need to sweeten the pot for Detroit, not the other way around.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just a fantasy football move. It’s a real, tangible opportunity for the Lions to level up. Maxx Crosby in Detroit makes too much sense on paper-and if the Raiders are truly ready to move on, the Lions should be first in line.
Because when you’re this close to the summit, sometimes you’ve got to take that final leap. And Crosby might just be the guy who helps them land on top.