Photo Credit: Candice Ward/Getty Images.

As we all know, the Lions had an up, and mostly down season in 2025, and a lot of fans are rightfully upset about their 9-8 finish, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2022.

However, a lot of Lions fans are calling for a big splash move, with the recent hot name being Maxx Crosby, following rumors swirling that he may be looking to be traded from Las Vegas.

Personally, I would absolutely LOVE Crosby on this team… but I’m not so sure it makes sense, or is even possible.

Lets take a look at why the Lions should NOT trade for Crosby.

1: Financial.

The Lions are in a tough spot currently financially, and adding Crosby’s $120+ million contract over the next three years would only add to those issues. The Lions are currently sitting between -$8 million and -$10 million in cap space for 2026. Although they can accrue close to $100 million with restructures, that only opens that money up for one year, essentially “kicking the can” down the road, which does NOT help the case for Crosby. The Lions have some money in the coming years, but moving the money from this season would take a chunk of that away, and having the extend guys like Jack Campbell, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam Laporta, Brian Branch, among others, means it will continue to get tighter on the wallet.
Essentially, the Lions just cannot afford to make this trade.

2: Capital.

The Raiders asking price has been reported as “the same as Micah Parsons” which ended up being two firsts and Kenny Clark, who is considered a pretty solid defensive tackle. The Lions just have too many holes to give up such a big package for a 29 year old pass rusher making $35 million per, coming off of an injury. This deal would’ve made a lot more sense two years ago, when the Lions still had Ragnow and Zeitler, and didn’t have a need at so many positions. Crosby would be awesome, but is more of a luxury situation. The Lions aren’t in the position for luxury items right now. At the end of the day, the Lions cannot afford to fork over the amount the Raiders are asking, and other teams will.

3: Need/Other Options.

While yes, the Lions NEED an edge rusher opposite Hutchinson, they have quite a bit of options this offseason. Not only do they have a top 20 pick for the first time since 2023, there is a solid free agent class as well. The Lions could go and sign Trey Hendrickson for a similar amount of money as Crosby (likely less), without having to give up the draft picks to get him. Obviously Hendrickson is not quite the player Crosby is, and he’s a few years older, but people seem to forget he held the sack crown just a season ago. Also, I think Hendrickson would fit the Lions defense and locker room better, due to his playing style, and character. Personally, I don’t think the Lions do either, but if Taylor Decker were to retire, they may be forced to draft a tackle in round one, which may free up the possibility of signing Hendrickson. Also, the draft is flush with edge rushers, as you could likely find one in the first three rounds that could make an impact right away. Either way, Holmes has said he will be more aggressive this offseason than in years past, noting specifically edge rusher as a spot he will try to upgrade, and he has many options to do so.

SUMMARY:

The Lions should NOT trade for Maxx Crosby because; he’s expensive in both capital and money, the Lions have the potential to draft one early, and free agency has a solid amount of options.

I would much rather draft one early, sign Hendrickson, or even sign a stop gap player and draft one in the mid rounds, than give up that haul for Crosby. The Lions just cannot afford the luxury right now.

At the end of the day, Brad Holmes is in charge, and he will do what he believes is best, hopefully that ends in the Lions hoisting the Lombardi.

Want to see for yourself? This brand new software allows fans to be the GM of their favorite team, track fantasy stats, betting lines, and much, much more. Use our link below and our code “MFN2026” to save 10% on your order! https://sticktothemodel.com/?via=MFN

Subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we host a live show every Wednesday at 6PM, all about Michigan Football! https://www.youtube.com/@MiFBNetwork

Follow us on X/Instagram @MiFBNetwork and @JaceOSweet for all of your Lions, Wolverines, and Spartans news! Subscribe to the site so you don’t miss an article!

If you’re here, you love sports. Why not show that love with some new gear? Fanatics has it all, on sale! Click our link to help support us, as we will receive a small payment. Can’t go wrong with new gear! https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/K0XnLn