Jared Goff and Co. Warned as $106 Million Star Gets Linked to Bears
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 03: Oakland Raiders Defensive End Maxx Crosby 98 rushes across the line during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders on November 3, 2019 at RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Photo by Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire NFL: NOV 03 Lions at Raiders PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxDENxONLY Icon19110333
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 03: Oakland Raiders Defensive End Maxx Crosby 98 rushes across the line during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders on November 3, 2019 at RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Photo by Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire NFL: NOV 03 Lions at Raiders PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxDENxONLY Icon19110333
The Detroit Lions are looking for defensive reinforcements to complement their star edge rusher, Aidan Hutchinson. Defensive end Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders would have been at the top of their wishlist, but other teams may also want his signature.
According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, the Raiders proposed trade of Crosby and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Chicago Bears in return for wide receiver DJ Moore and a 2026 first-round pick.
Crosby signed a 3-year deal with the Raiders for $106.5 million in March 2025. At the time, he was the highest-paid non-quarterback NFL player. If the trade actually goes through, the Lions will be left at square one.
The Lions finished last season with an 18th-ranked defense in terms of yards allowed (331.9 yards allowed). At the same time, Crosby's Raiders sat at the 14th spot with 317.8 yards.
Losing a top player from such a side is one thing, but to lose them to a divisional rival like the Bears would be a devastating blow to the Lions. That's especially considering NFC North matchups usually see results based on how well the QB does.
Just take the Bears vs Lions game from September. The Lions won 52-21 because of Gauff's 5-touchdown game.
But just in case the move goes through, what can the Lions do?
An Alternative the Detroit Lions Could Consider
If the Detroit Lions cannot land Maxx Crosby, they could turn to Cincinnati Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson, as he is approaching free agency. Hendrickson has been having regular standoffs with the Bengals regarding his contract.
They recently increased his salary to $30 million (an increase of $14 million), but Hendrickson is up for grabs on the trade block. He is an elite edge rusher with 17.5 sacks in 2024, which was the highest in the league. He has also been invited to the Pro Bowl four times consecutively since 2021.
Do you think the Lions can go for Hendrickson if they are not able to sign Crosby? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Shyam Hari
Edited by
Siddharth Shirwadkar