Detroit Lions fans dreamed about the possibility of bringing star pass rusher Maxx Crosby back to his home state of Michigan.

That dream officially ended on Friday, March 6.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Las Vegas Raiders agreed to trade the five-time Pro Bowl defensive end to the Baltimore Ravens. In return, Las Vegas will receive first-round picks in the 2026 and 2027 NFL Drafts.

While the trade cannot officially be processed until next week, the agreement is already in place.

The deal ends long-standing speculation that Detroit could someday pair Crosby with star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Many Lions fans had envisioned the two Michigan natives forming one of the most dominant pass-rushing duos in the NFL.

Instead, Crosby is heading to Baltimore.

Maxx Crosby Shares Emotional Farewell to Raiders

Shortly after the trade news broke, Crosby took to social media on March 7 to deliver an emotional farewell message to Raiders fans.

His message reflected deep appreciation for the organization and the city that helped shape his life both on and off the field.

Crosby explained that his time in Las Vegas meant far more than football. During his tenure with the Raiders, he experienced several major personal milestones, including getting married and welcoming his daughter.

He also emphasized that he gave everything he had to the franchise.

Crosby expressed gratitude to “Raider Nation,” saying the organization helped him grow as a player, leader, and person. Despite being traded, he made it clear that he holds no resentment toward the Raiders and hopes the team finds success in the future.

Crosby Stayed Quiet During Trade Rumors

While rumors about a potential Crosby trade circulated for weeks, the star pass rusher intentionally stayed silent.

In his farewell message, Crosby said he chose not to engage in speculation or public drama. Instead, he remained focused on his responsibilities as a football player — getting healthy and preparing to perform at his highest level.

His focus on professionalism was consistent with the way he handled the entire situation.

Crosby Still Wants to Retire a Raider

Despite joining the Ravens, Crosby made it clear that his long-term loyalty still belongs to the Raiders.

He stated that he still considers himself a “Raider for life” and hopes to eventually finish his career wearing a Raiders jersey when the time comes.

For Detroit Lions fans, Crosby’s move to Baltimore closes the door on a long-imagined homecoming. However, one silver lining remains: at least the star defender did not land with NFC North rival Chicago Bears.