Maxx Crosby Hint on Interest in Signing With the Lions: Report

The Detroit Lions are searching for an edge rusher to fill the gap left by defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who will miss the rest of the regular season due to a broken tibia. Lions fans have long admired Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, though he has consistently expressed a desire to remain in Las Vegas.

However, in the NFL, things can change rapidly, and a report from Sports Illustrated analysts Christian Booher and John Maakaron suggests Crosby may have an interest in returning to Michigan. Crosby, a native of Lapeer, Michigan, and former Eastern Michigan football player, could be eyeing a homecoming.

Maxx Crosby Might Be Rethinking His Future in Las Vegas

In an October 19 article for Sports Illustrated, Booher and Maakaron mention that Crosby’s stance on a potential move may be shifting.

“According to a source with knowledge of the situation, there is natural interest from Crosby’s side in joining the Lions via a trade,” they report.

The reasons for Crosby to consider a move are clear. As of Week 8, the Raiders are struggling at the bottom of the AFC West, while the Lions are leading the NFC North and are seen as strong Super Bowl contenders. A move to Detroit could give Crosby a better shot at a championship.

Further fueling speculation was an October 19 Instagram story Crosby shared, reposting a fan’s message asking him to return to Michigan. The image read, “Homecoming at the Factory and Maxx Crosby field. Time to come home and win a [ring emoji] @maxxcrosby.”

Crosby has tallied 6.5 sacks this season going into Week 8, despite dealing with a high ankle sprain. He appeared in the Raiders’ October 20 game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Crosby’s Recent Comments Stir Speculation

On October 16, Crosby spoke to the media about Las Vegas’ “rebuild” following the trade of wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets. Crosby’s comments hinted at possible frustration with the direction of the Raiders.

“I’m not here to rebuild. I’m here to win,” Crosby stated. “So, you know, I don’t know. Whatever that means, but yeah I’m here to win now. And wherever I’m going to be, I’m going (to be) here to win. So, that’s all that matters to me.”

Still, Lions fans should temper their excitement. In an October 16 interview with The Athletic, Raiders owner Mark Davis firmly dismissed any talk of a Crosby trade, stating it’s “just not happening.”

Additionally, as Booher and Maakaron note, Crosby is committed to being a key figure in the Raiders’ future. He has expressed a strong desire to help the organization return to its winning ways.

Crosby signed a four-year, $94 million contract extension with the Raiders in 2022, averaging $23.5 million per year. He was drafted by Las Vegas in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.