The Detroit Lions are in search of an edge rusher, and Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders might have “interest,” according to a recent report.
The Detroit Lions are in need of a player to fill the gap left by defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who is out for the season with a broken tibia.
Fans of the Lions have expressed their admiration for Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, but Crosby has consistently stated his desire to remain in Las Vegas.
However, things can change fast in the NFL. A report by NFL analysts Christian Booher and John Maakaron from Sports Illustrated suggests that Crosby could be open to returning to Michigan.
Crosby, a Michigan native from Lapeer who played college football at Eastern Michigan, may find a move to Detroit to be a homecoming.
Maxx Crosby Could Be Reconsidering Leaving Las Vegas
In an October 19 article for Sports Illustrated, Booher and Maakaron revealed intriguing details about Crosby’s potential “interest” in heading to Detroit.
“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 wrote.
It’s understandable why Crosby might want to switch teams. Heading into Week 8, the Raiders are struggling at the bottom of the AFC West.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions are leading the NFC North and are seen as strong Super Bowl contenders. If Crosby is aiming for a championship, Detroit could be his best option.
Further fueling this speculation, Crosby shared an Instagram story on October 19 from a fan urging him to return to Michigan.
“Homecoming at the Factory and Maxx Crosby field,” read the reposted picture on Crosby’s Instagram story. “Time to come home and win a (ring emoji) @maxxcrosby.”
Crosby has recorded 6.5 sacks so far this season heading into Week 8. Despite dealing with a high ankle sprain, he played in the Raiders’ October 20 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Maxx Crosby’s Remarks Spark Speculation
During an October 16 media session, Crosby commented on the Raiders’ “rebuild” following the trade of wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets, raising questions about his commitment to the team.
“I’m not here to rebuild. I’m here to win,” Crosby said. “So, you know, I don’t know what that means, but yeah, I’m here to win now. And wherever I’m going to be, I’m going to win. That’s all that matters to me.”
Lions fans should temper their expectations, though. In an October 16 article from The Athletic, Raiders owner Mark Davis stated that trading Crosby is “just not happening.”
Furthermore, as Booher and Maakaron noted, “Crosby wants to be seen as a cornerstone of the Raiders’ organization. He’s eager to help rebuild the team into a winning franchise.”
Crosby signed a four-year, $94 million deal with the Raiders in 2022, with an annual salary of $23.5 million. He was drafted by Las Vegas in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.