The Detroit Lions and Las Vegas Raiders are charting distinct courses, yet find their paths converging over one intriguing player: Maxx Crosby. While Crosby hasn’t requested a trade, his looming free agency stirs the pot of anticipation. “There are a lot of things that need to be discussed,” Crosby noted, leaving room for speculation about his future.
Exploring a Hypothetical Trade:
Lions Acquire: Maxx Crosby, EDGE
Raiders Acquire: 2025 1st Round Pick (DET), 2025 4th Round Pick (DET), 2026 2nd Round Pick (DET)
The Michigan Ties: A Personal Connection to the Lions
Maxx Crosby’s links to Michigan transcend mere proximity—they’re personal. Though born in Colleyville, Texas, Crosby honed his craft playing college football at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, just a stone’s throw from Detroit. Those years cemented a bond with the state, one that remains strong even today.
Eastern Michigan was where Crosby’s relentless style and defensive prowess began turning heads. That tenacity landed him with the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Despite his Oakland-to-Vegas move, Crosby’s connections to Michigan haven’t faded. He frequently vocalizes pride in his Michigan roots and the state’s fervent football culture.
Adding to this connection, Crosby has lauded Dan Campbell’s impact with the Lions and stays in touch with former teammates Amik Robertson and Pat O’Conner, who don the Honolulu Blue.
The Lions’ Pressing Need for a Pass Rush
In their quest to evolve from playoff contenders to Super Bowl stalwarts, the Detroit Lions have spotlighted pass rush as a crucial element. With Aidan Hutchinson sidelined this season, their vulnerability in this area has become apparent. This led them to trade for Za’Darius Smith, who remains under contract for only another season—a glimpse at their ongoing edge-rushing needs beyond Hutchinson.
Crosby embodies a gritty, relentless playing style that aligns perfectly with Detroit’s culture of toughness and resilience. The burning question remains: Will the Lions part with significant assets to secure Crosby’s prowess? Alternatively, they might lean on GM Brad Holmes’ knack for drafting talent. However, with their offensive and defensive coordinators, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, stepping into head coaching roles elsewhere, there’s an urgency in capitalizing on the team’s Super Bowl window.
Pairing Maxx Crosby with Hutchinson could instantly form the NFL’s most formidable pass-rushing duo—a strategic move to propel the Lions’ championship aspirations.
