BLOCKBUSTER TRADE: Detroit Lions Predicted to Land Raiders Superstar Maxx Crosby This Offseason
The rumors surrounding Maxx Crosby and the Detroit Lions have reached a fever pitch as the 2026 offseason approaches.
After a 2025 season in which Detroit narrowly missed a deep playoff run due to pass-rush depth issues, and with the Las Vegas Raiders holding the No. 1 overall pick, many analysts believe a “divorce” between Crosby and the Raiders is more likely than ever.
Below are the latest predictions and expert insights surrounding a potential blockbuster move to the Motor City.
The Prediction: A Blockbuster Draft-Day Trade
Most analysts believe that if Crosby is moved, it will happen before or during the 2026 NFL Draft (April 2026).
Because Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension in 2025, he is not a free agent. Any deal would require Detroit to part with significant draft capital—likely starting with two first-round picks.
Analyst Quotations & Expert Insights
- The “Cultural Fit” Argument
Many analysts point to Crosby’s mentality as a perfect match for Dan Campbell’s culture in Detroit.
“Crosby fits the spirit of that city [Detroit] perfectly… he would plainly relish the chance to suit up for Dan Campbell’s squad. He’s the type of player Campbell would literally die for, and the feeling seems mutual.”
— FanSided (Jan. 17, 2026)
- The Strategic “Twin Terrors” Concept
The football logic is simple: pairing Maxx Crosby with Aidan Hutchinson could create the most feared edge-rushing duo in the NFL.
“Crosby and Hutchinson would be one of the league’s most dangerous duos and should terrify opposing quarterbacks… Detroit narrowly missed the Wild Card [in 2025], but they probably would have earned a postseason spot if they had a competent pass rusher to complement Hutchinson.”
— David Latham, Last Word on Sports (Jan. 7, 2026)
- The Financial Hurdles
The biggest obstacle is Crosby’s $35 million cap hit in 2026. However, some analysts believe the Raiders could structure the trade creatively.
“The Raiders could pay out the majority of Crosby’s 2026 salary in the form of a bonus before trading him away. That payment would count toward their spending goal while making Crosby a more desirable trade target… What’s better than Maxx Crosby? Maxx Crosby at a near-league-minimum salary.”
— Joshua Queipo, Just Blog Baby (Jan. 10, 2026)
- The “Done With Vegas” Sentiment
Crosby’s relationship with the Raiders may already be fractured following his late-season Injured Reserve placement in 2025, a move he reportedly opposed.
“The Raiders and Crosby are headed to a divorce… It is the best move Lions GM Brad Holmes could make, but heaven and Earth would have to move to jam him in there under the cap.”
— A to Z Sports (Dec. 29, 2025)
Projected Trade Package
Based on current league market value, a realistic trade could look like this:
Team Receives Raiders Receive
DE Maxx Crosby 2026 1st-round pick
2027 1st-round pick
2026 4th-round pick
Current Status
Crosby is recovering from knee surgery as of January 2026. His medical clearance would be the final green light for Detroit to seriously pursue a deal.
