Maxx Crosby’s Future with the Raiders in Doubt - and Detroit Might Be Waiting
There’s a storm quietly brewing in Las Vegas, and it centers around one of the league’s most relentless pass rushers. Maxx Crosby, the heart and soul of the Raiders' defense, may be nearing the end of his tenure with the team - and his next chapter could be unfolding in Detroit.
Here’s what we know: Crosby’s relationship with the Raiders took a hit late in the 2025 season. The team made the decision to shut him down over injury concerns, sidelining him for the final stretch.
But Crosby didn’t see it the same way. He later revealed he had been playing through the injury and felt he could’ve finished the season.
That disconnect - between a player’s will and a franchise’s caution - has sparked serious questions about whether the two sides are on the same page anymore.
NFL insider Jay Glazer didn’t mince words when asked about Crosby’s future in Vegas. “I do,” he said, when asked if Crosby was done with the Raiders. That’s a bold statement, but it reflects the growing belief that this situation could be heading toward a split.
Detroit: The Hometown Dream
If Crosby is indeed on the move, there’s one team that keeps coming up - the Detroit Lions. And it’s not just about football. Crosby is a Michigan native, and there’s a strong sense around the league that Detroit is his preferred landing spot.
That matters more than you might think. While the Raiders still hold the cards if a trade request comes in, we’ve seen time and again how teams work with star players when relationships reach a breaking point. If Crosby wants Detroit, and the Raiders are ready to move on, the Lions would be in pole position - especially considering their upward trajectory and a roster that’s already built to contend.
The Lions check every box: proximity to home, a physical defensive identity that matches Crosby’s style, and a legitimate shot at a Super Bowl run. That’s a tough combination to beat.
What Would It Take to Get Crosby?
Here’s where things get tricky. The potential compensation for Crosby is still very much up in the air.
Some around the league believe the Raiders could push for a return even bigger than what Dallas reportedly gave up for Micah Parsons - a package that included two first-round picks and defensive lineman Kenny Clark. But not everyone agrees that Crosby would command that kind of haul.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport pushed back on that idea, pointing out that Parsons was younger and likely had more long-term upside at the time of his deal. A more realistic return, in Rapoport’s view, might be a late first-round pick.
That gap in valuation reflects the complexity of Crosby’s market. He’s a proven force off the edge, but he’s not a rookie anymore. There’s mileage on those legs, and his contract structure will also play a role in any potential deal.
Where the 49ers Fit In
Don’t count out San Francisco just yet. The 49ers are expected to be among the teams closely monitoring Crosby’s status - and for good reason.
Nick Bosa is coming off a torn ACL suffered in the 2025 season. Even if he’s ready to go by Week 1 of 2026, the Niners have a glaring need for more edge pressure. That need existed even before Bosa’s injury, and Crosby would be a natural fit opposite him.
San Francisco reportedly explored a deal for Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson at last year’s trade deadline, signaling that the front office isn’t afraid to swing big. Crosby would absolutely qualify as a high-impact addition.
But here’s the challenge: if Crosby is set on Detroit, the 49ers - or any other suitor - would likely have to put together a significantly stronger offer to convince the Raiders to send him elsewhere. That’s a tough spot to be in, especially when you’re negotiating against a team that may already have the inside track.
The Bottom Line
If Maxx Crosby does request a trade - and all signs are pointing in that direction - the Raiders will have a major decision to make. They could hold firm and try to repair the relationship, or they could look to maximize value while they still can.
Detroit, with its hometown ties and championship aspirations, looms large. San Francisco and other contenders may circle, but they’ll be chasing a player who might already have his eyes set on the Motor City.
This isn’t just another offseason rumor. It’s a potential franchise-altering move - for Crosby, for the Raiders, and for whoever ends up landing one of the most disruptive edge rushers in football.