The Detroit Lions may have missed their first opportunity to acquire star pass rusher Maxx Crosby, but new speculation suggests another chance could emerge later in the 2026 NFL season.

Earlier in the offseason, Crosby appeared to be on the verge of leaving the Las Vegas Raiders after the team reportedly reached a tentative trade agreement with the Baltimore Ravens. However, the deal ultimately fell apart after Baltimore reviewed the results of Crosby’s physical, leaving the Pro Bowl defensive end in Las Vegas and reigniting trade rumors across the league.

NFL Insider Suggests Midseason Maxx Crosby Trade Is Possible

According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Raiders are expected to begin the 2026 season with Crosby on their roster. Still, the situation could change as the year progresses.

Breer noted that both Crosby and the Raiders currently plan to move forward together. But he also acknowledged that a midseason trade scenario cannot be ruled out, especially if Las Vegas struggles early in the season.

If the Raiders were to start the year with a poor record while Crosby continues to perform at a high level, teams around the league could begin calling about a potential trade before the NFL deadline. In that scenario, Las Vegas might consider moving the star defender if an appealing offer emerges, particularly with a strong 2027 draft class on the horizon.

Detroit Lions Linked to Maxx Crosby in Potential Blockbuster Move

The Lions have been widely mentioned as one of the teams most interested in Crosby. Vito Chirco of Sports Illustrated previously suggested that acquiring Crosby would be a bold “all-in” move for Detroit as the franchise pushes for a Super Bowl.

Adding Crosby would give the Lions the elite pass-rushing partner they have long sought for Aidan Hutchinson. The Eastern Michigan product has been one of the league’s most productive edge rushers, earning five Pro Bowl selections and recording 10 sacks last season with the Raiders.

Pairing Crosby with Hutchinson could transform Detroit’s defensive front and potentially elevate the Lions into legitimate championship contention.

Lions Already Added Pass-Rushing Help This Offseason

Even without landing Crosby, the Lions addressed their pass rush during the offseason. Detroit selected Derrick Moore in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft and signed veteran edge rusher D. J. Wonnum in free agency.

Still, some analysts believe Detroit could benefit from adding another experienced pass rusher before the season begins. Chirco has suggested the team could explore options such as Joey Bosa, Cam Jordan, or Jadeveon Clowney if they remain available.

While the Lions’ defensive line has improved with the additions of Moore and Wonnum, questions remain about whether the unit can maintain consistent pressure throughout the 2026 season. If an opportunity to acquire Crosby resurfaces near the trade deadline, Detroit could once again become one of the most aggressive suitors for the Raiders star.