Maxx Crosby is one name that is making a lot of noise in the 2026 NFL offseason. The Las Vegas Raiders' star has been linked to many teams over the past 2 months, with the Detroit Lions being one of them.

He has famously said that the Lions are one team he would love to play for in the NFL. And now, Raiders beat journalist, Hondo Carpenter, has urged the NFC franchise to team Crosby up with Aidan Hutchinson.

"If you're the Lions and you got to give up two ones to get him, you're getting the best defender in the National Football League. Now, multiple GMs have told me that it's a $29 million contract for an edge. That is nothing. You're going to pair him with Aiden Hutchinson. Both guys are instantly better."

The Las Vegas Raiders (then the Oakland Raiders) got Maxx Crosby in the 2019 NFL Draft. Plus, he signed a 3-year $106.5M extension in 2025, which runs through the 2029 NFL season.

Given all that, the Raiders are asking for 2 first-round draft picks and a starting-caliber player from any team that is willing to trade.

Carpenter believes that the Lions must go for him and pair him with Aiden Hutchinson. The Detroit Lions picked Hutchinson in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he is one of the highest-paid defensive players. He got a 4-year, $180 million contract extension that runs through the 2030 season.

Crosby has had 278 solo tackles, 69.5 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception in 7 seasons. Hutchinson, on the other hand, has had 118 solo tackles, 58 assists, 43.0 sacks, 5 fumble recoveries, and 5 interceptions in 4 seasons.

Investing in the Raiders star could build a solid foundation for the Lions till 2029, and interestingly, the Lions were on this train.

According to multiple reports, their coaching staff believed that Crosby would uplift their chances of winning the Super Bowl. They viewed the duo of Crosby and Hutchinson as one of the most terrifying edge duos in the NFL.

But as of now, they have a bigger problem in front of them.

But The Detroit Lions Have Hit A Road Block With Maxx Crosby

Reports around the 2026 NFL Combine said Detroit was very interested in Crosby to strengthen its pass rush.

According to a report from Lions OnSI, their GM, Brad Holmes, was even ready to give up the draft picks. The report said:

“According to many in league circles, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes was more than willing to be aggressive to meet the trade demands of the Las Vegas Raiders, which included parting ways with two first-round draft picks.”

However, they might have to take a step back on their strategy.

Recent updates about CB Terrion Arnold have reportedly made the Lions reconsider using valuable draft picks in a trade. As the cornerback position is now seen as one that might need help soon, Detroit may prefer to keep its early-round selections.

Lions fans, would you like Maxx Crosby on your team? Let us know in the comments!

For all Lions updates, follow the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Kalp Thaker