If there’s one player atop the Detroit Lions’ wish list, it’s Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby. The Michigan native possesses the energy and edge—both figuratively and literally—that would make him a perfect fit in Detroit.
For years, fans and NFL analysts alike have speculated about the possibility of Crosby being traded to the Lions. However, with Pete Carroll now leading the Raiders, Crosby’s recent comments suggest he’s fully on board with the team’s new direction, potentially crushing Detroit’s hopes.
Detroit Lions Fans Dream of Michigan Native Maxx Crosby
Crosby, a standout defensive end, hails from Lapeer, Michigan, and played college football at Eastern Michigan. Pairing him with Aidan Hutchinson would be a dream scenario for the Lions.
Despite the speculation, Crosby seems excited about his future with the Raiders. Speaking on SiriusXM’s Let’s Go podcast with Jim Gray on January 29, he expressed enthusiasm about Carroll’s leadership.
“It’s exciting,” Crosby said about the Raiders hiring Carroll. “I think the number one thing you look at is just energy. We talked about it a few times. Competition as well.”
As a competitor who thrives on energy and demands the same from others, Crosby appreciates Carroll’s mindset.
“He’s a winner,” Crosby continued. “He’s done it his whole career. And it’s just exciting to see what’s going to come soon.”
Crosby also revealed that he has spoken with both Carroll and new general manager John Spytek, expressing confidence in the team’s future.
“The main things that (Pete Carroll) talked about is, we’re going right now,” Crosby said. “We’re not wasting time. That’s the one thing he mentioned to me after his press conference. We’re going to get this thing rolling. So, it’s exciting.”
His commitment to winning remains unwavering.
“My mentality every year,” he added, “is that I want to win every year.”
NFL Expert Links Maxx Crosby to the Packers
If Crosby were to be traded, Lions fans would undoubtedly hope he lands in Detroit. However, NFL analyst Tyler Brooke of The 33rd Team believes Green Bay could be a strong landing spot.
In a January 21 analysis, Brooke proposed a trade scenario in which the Raiders receive a 2025 second-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick in exchange for Crosby.
The reasoning? The Packers “desperately need a pass rusher. Not one they can be patient in developing, but one who can contribute right away for a potential Super Bowl run in 2025.”
Brooke acknowledges that prying Crosby away from the Raiders would be costly, stating, “It would take significant resources to convince the Raiders to give up their franchise player in his prime,” but he believes Green Bay “would be the perfect landing spot.”
Crosby signed a four-year, $94 million contract with the Raiders in 2022, earning an average annual salary of $23.5 million. Drafted by Las Vegas in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, he remains one of the team’s most valuable assets.
Last season, Crosby recorded 45 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and five passes defended in 12 games—numbers that illustrate why both the Lions and Packers would love to have him.
