NFL Insider Links Detroit Lions to Maxx Crosby

A top pass rusher could be on the move, and the Lions are reportedly in the mix.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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An NFL insider has named the Detroit Lions as a serious trade contender for Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby. The timing of the report is not accidental, as there has been speculation that Crosby may be "done" with Las Vegas. The Lions are firmly in win-now mode, and the idea of pairing Crosby with Aidan Hutchinson could give them one of the most feared pass-rush duos in the NFL.

Why it matters

The Lions have lacked a dominant pass rush in high-leverage playoff moments, and adding Crosby opposite Hutchinson could change the balance of power in the NFC. Crosby is one of the league's most consistent edge defenders, and his priority is to be part of a winning team.

The details

Crosby has been named to two All-Pro teams and five Pro Bowls over the last seven seasons. He would come with a steep price tag, both in terms of draft capital and a 2026 cap hit north of $30 million. However, for a franchise pushing for its first Super Bowl appearance, the Lions may decide the financial swing is worth it.

  • Earlier this week, Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer reported that Crosby may be 'done' with Las Vegas.
  • During Super Bowl LX week, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler of ESPN named the Lions as one of several 'natural would-be contenders' to pursue Crosby.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A star defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, Crosby has been one of the league's most consistent edge defenders over the last seven seasons, earning two All-Pro selections and five Pro Bowl nods.

Aidan Hutchinson

The defensive cornerstone of the Detroit Lions, Hutchinson was the team's first-round pick in 2022 and had a standout rookie season.

Jeremy Fowler

An NFL insider for ESPN who reported that the Detroit Lions are a serious trade contender for Maxx Crosby.

Jay Glazer

A Fox Sports insider who reported that Maxx Crosby may be 'done' with the Las Vegas Raiders.

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What they’re saying

“What has been made clear to me: Crosby wants to be a part of a winner. That's the priority.”

— Jeremy Fowler, NFL Insider (ESPN)

What’s next

The Lions would need to negotiate a trade with the Raiders and work out a new contract with Crosby if they want to acquire him. The cost in both draft capital and salary cap space would be significant, but the potential payoff of pairing Crosby with Hutchinson could be worth it for a team pushing for a Super Bowl appearance.

The takeaway

The potential addition of Maxx Crosby would give the Detroit Lions one of the most formidable pass-rushing duos in the NFL, addressing a key need and putting them firmly in the conversation as a Super Bowl contender. However, the steep price tag in both draft capital and salary cap space means the Lions will have to carefully weigh the risks and rewards before making a move.