The Detroit Lions' current regime may need to consider doing everything possible to make the postseason in 2026, following a step back this past year after back-to-back playoff appearances.
Brad Holmes and Co. could be in a similar boat this coming fall to the 2025 Buffalo Bills, who couldn't parlay a strong season into keeping head coach Sean McDermott and several of his assistants after their elimination this past January.
If that's the case, in the wake of the NFL's salary cap jumping more than $20 million from the projected totals, and the possibility of extending the NFL trade limits, allowing three years of picks to be traded to bump up to five years of picks, the Lions could consider making an aggressive move for Maxx Crosby this offseason.
Per The Athletic's Dianna Russini, "The Raiders’ decision to sideline Maxx Crosby for the regular season’s final two games did not sit well with their star pass rusher. Crosby remains under contract, but there’s a strong sense in league circles that he could be had in a trade."
SportsBoom's Jason LaCanfora added on Monday from his source that, "(Crosby) told Tom Brady he will never play for the Raiders again. That’s a fact. He told them he’ll retire before he ever plays for them again. But I’m not sure they’re actually going to trade him. Myles Garrett said the same thing last year, and we know how that ended up.”
Detroit has many needs this offseason, chief among them the offensive line. With that said, the front office may realize that this is somewhat of a prove-it season in the Motor City, and the Lions could use another EDGE rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson.
Crosby brings elite athleticism to the defensive trenches, often ranking near the top of the league in pressure speed. And wouldn't you know it? The Lions struggle in that area, averaging the third-slowest time to pressure (2.86 to 2.92 seconds) in the NFL.
From an on-field standpoint, Crosby and Detroit are a perfect fit. What's less clear is whether they are ideal trade partners.
Maxx Crosby's Price Can Make 2026 All-In Season for Lions
The going rate for Crosby could include multiple first-round draft picks, resembling the Micah Parsons megadeal between the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys last August, right before Week 1 of the 2025 season. Of course, a Crosby deal could also feature even more picks because of the potential to trade two more years into the future.
If the Lions agree to that, there's no doubt that Holmes and Dan Campbell would have to deliver a deep playoff run, possibly an NFC Championship Game appearance, to justify being brought back in 2027. That is the risk that comes with any potential all-in pursuit of Crosby this offseason.
The city of Detroit isn't against going all in and reassessing the damage later. Let's see if ownership agrees with them.