Maxx Crosby's Lions Wish Resurfaces Amidst Links with Ben Johnson's Bears
2026 NFL, American Football Herren, USA Combine - Media Availability of Teams General Manager and Head Coach Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson takes a question during the 2026 NFL Combine Media Availability at Indiana Convention Center on Feb 24 in Indianapolis, IN. (Max Siker Image of Indianapolis Indiana United States EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xImagexofxSportx MaxxSikerx iosphotos396733 December 21, 2025: Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after a tackle during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Houston Texans in Houston, TX. Houston defeated Las Vegas 23-21. CSM Houston United States of America - ZUMAc04_ 20251221_faf_c04_037 Copyright: xPrenticexC.xJamesx
2026 NFL, American Football Herren, USA Combine - Media Availability of Teams General Manager and Head Coach Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson takes a question during the 2026 NFL Combine Media Availability at Indiana Convention Center on Feb 24 in Indianapolis, IN. (Max Siker Image of Indianapolis Indiana United States EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xImagexofxSportx MaxxSikerx iosphotos396733 December 21, 2025: Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after a tackle during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Houston Texans in Houston, TX. Houston defeated Las Vegas 23-21. CSM Houston United States of America - ZUMAc04_ 20251221_faf_c04_037 Copyright: xPrenticexC.xJamesx
If there's one name on top of Detroit's wishlist, it's Maxx Crosby. But unfortunately, they might be locked in an NFC North battle for him with the Chicago Bears. Amidst these links, Lions fans have found one clip that could point Crosby in their direction.
A 2024 interaction made the rounds on X when Crosby made an appearance on The Rush. He was asked, “If Raiders were off the table, who would be one other team you would play for?”
His answer was simple. "The Lions."
And there's a good reason for that. Crosby was born in Lapeer, Michigan, which isn't too far away from Detroit. And while he moved away to Texas soon after, he came back not too long after when he started college. As fans may remember, Crosby played for the Eastern Michigan Eagles. At the time, he managed 158 tackles and 19 sacks across three seasons. From there, he was picked up by the Raiders, where he's been ever since.
Cut to 2026, and both CBS’s Jonathan Jones and ESPN’s Adam Schefter have hinted that the Bears are potential destinations for Maxx.
And Crosby clearly admires Ben Johnson. Earlier in the year, he even went as far as saying, "He does an incredible job in all facets of offense. The run game to the pass game to the trickeration, he’s really got all that. Somebody I respect a lot."
However, it's no guarantee he'll sign for them. We've heard him talk about the rumors about moving back in 2024. However, he hasn't said anything about his destination yet. If he does join the Lions, they could become one of the best defenses in the league.
What Maxx Crosby Brings to the Table for The Lions
Crosby would add significant value to the Lions' already strong pass rush. Pairing him with Aidan Hutchinson would give Detroit two elite edge rushers capable of consistently collapsing the pocket.
In terms of numbers, across 110 games, he has 439 total tackles and 69.5 sacks. A former fourth-round pick, he completed five consecutive seasons in the Raiders’ jersey.
Will Maxx Crosby stay with the Raiders, or will the Bears or Lions win the race for the star pass rusher? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
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Written by
Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker
Edited by
Siddharth Shirwadkar