SI.com’s John Maakaron reports Crosby is seen as a strong target for a team ready to push toward contention, despite tensions with the Raiders and questions about his future in Las Vegas. Crosby has not spoken with the Raiders since their season ended, a sign of the strained relationship some notable insiders have cited.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler also placed the Lions among a small group of clubs willing to be aggressive in pursuit of Crosby, noting more than a dozen teams could inquire and listing contenders such as the Bills, 49ers, Cowboys and Ravens as others in the mix.
Detroit could also explore alternative paths to bolster its pass rush, including a potential bid for Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson. Free-agent-wide targets and Hendrickson’s status after an injury-plagued 2025 season add context to the Lions’ ongoing search for a complementary edge rusher to Aidan Hutchinson.
If Detroit pursues Crosby, the price could be steep. insiders have suggested his asking price might resemble that of high-profile players, potentially involving two first-round picks plus a additional player, underscoring the financial and strategic risk of such a deal.
The Lions have long prioritized upgrading the edge rush alongside Hutchinson, a priority underscored by mixed results from the 2025 season and the team’s continued playoff push. Any move for Crosby would represent a bold step in their offseason plan and could set the tone for Detroit’s competitive window in 2026.
As the offseason unfolds, Detroit’s interest in Crosby—or alternative pass-rushers—will shape the Lions’ strategic approach to free agency and the draft, with fans and analysts watching how aggressive Detroit intends to be in reshaping its defense.
