LAS VEGAS — As the Las Vegas Raiders transition into an offseason defined by organizational restructuring, league analysts have begun identifying the Detroit Lions as a premier landing spot for star defensive end Maxx Crosby. A significant trade proposal circulating among NFL circles suggests that the Raiders could move their franchise cornerstone to the NFC contender in a move designed to accelerate Las Vegas’s rebuilding efforts.
The proposal, which has gained traction following the conclusion of the 2025 regular season, outlines a scenario where Crosby would be sent to Detroit in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick, and a mid-round developmental player. While the Raiders have historically viewed Crosby as “untouchable,” the team’s 4–13 finish and the looming necessity of a total roster reset have reportedly forced the front office to reconsider all options.
For the Detroit Lions, the acquisition of a three-time Pro Bowler would address a persistent need for edge-rushing consistency. Despite a deep playoff run in 2024 and a strong 2025 campaign, the Lions’ defense has occasionally lacked a secondary elite presence to complement Aidan Hutchinson, particularly after various depth players suffered season-ending injuries earlier this fall. Crosby, who has recorded 14.5 sacks in 2025, would provide the Lions with one of the most formidable defensive fronts in the NFL.
Crosby’s current contract, a four-year, $94 million extension signed in 2022, is structured in a way that remains manageable for a contending team like Detroit. However, any potential deal would likely require the Lions to navigate a delicate salary cap situation, as they also face upcoming extensions for several of their own core offensive contributors.
Raiders owner Mark Davis has previously expressed a desire to keep Crosby in silver and black for the duration of his career. However, league sources suggest that if the Raiders intend to pursue a top-tier quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, the draft capital acquired in a Crosby trade could prove instrumental in moving up the board.
“You never want to trade a player of Maxx’s caliber,” noted one league executive during the December scouting window. “But if you are a team with as many holes as the Raiders currently have, you have to ask yourself if one elite pass rusher is more valuable than three or four foundational starters.”
While no formal negotiations have been confirmed by either front office, the alignment of the Raiders’ need for assets and the Lions’ pursuit of a Super Bowl window makes this proposal a focal point of early offseason discussion.
