After years of anticipation from Detroit Lions fans eager to see Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby return to his native Michigan, the long-awaited reunion will not happen. On March 6, news broke that Crosby is being traded to the Baltimore Ravens instead, dashing the Lions’ hopes of adding the standout defender to their roster alongside Aidan Hutchinson.
The Raiders agreed to send the five-time Pro Bowl defensive end to Baltimore in exchange for first-round draft picks in both 2026 and 2027, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The trade cannot be processed until next week, but it is in place,
Schefter reported.
And Crosby is expected to be a Raven with two 1s back to Vegas.
Crosby Offers Heartfelt Farewell to Raider Nation and Home State Fans
Maxx Crosby had an outstanding 2025 season, recording 73 total tackles, 10 sacks, 28 tackles for loss, and one interception, solidifying his position as one of the league’s premier edge rushers. On March 7, he publicly addressed the trade on social media with an emotional message that resonated deeply with fans in Michigan.
Raider Nation has given me everything,
Crosby shared.
My family, had the chance to get married, have the most beautiful daughter in the world, grow as a man, as a player, as a leader, a human being. One thing I could say is above all else is that I gave you everything I got and I have no regrets about that. I put everything into trying to win as a Raider.
Despite the shock of the sudden trade, Crosby expressed forgiveness toward the Raiders organization.
I have zero ill will towards that organization in any way,
he stated.
I want them to have all the success in the world.
Maintaining Focus, Crosby Stayed Silent During Trade Speculation
Throughout the trade rumors, Crosby maintained his silence deliberately, choosing to concentrate solely on football. In his farewell, he explained his decision to avoid distractions amid a noisy environment.
I decided to be quiet because there is so much noise, and ultimately, I’m a football player,
Crosby said.
That’s my job. It’s to get healthy, to be the best version of myself. Not to be in drama, not to be involved with all the other stuff.
His loyalty to the Raiders remains steadfast, as he emphasized his desire to retire wearing their jersey, indicating no plans to join Detroit or any other team at this time.
I wanted everything good for the Raiders,
Crosby mentioned.
I bleed silver and black. That will never change and I’m a Raider for life. And I truly wanna finish when it’s all said and done, in a Raiders jersey, whenever that time comes.
While the Maxx Crosby trade marks a significant change, Detroit Lions fans will be left wondering what might have been, as Crosby heads to Baltimore rather than Michigan. At least, Crosby will not be joining the Chicago Bears under coach Ben Johnson, which may offer some consolation to Lions supporters.
ESPN sources: the Raiders agreed to trade five-time Pro-Bowl DE Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for 2026 and 2027 first-round picks.
The trade cannot be processed until next week, but it is in place. And Crosby is expected to be a Raven with two 1s back to Vegas. pic.twitter.com/rfExCLpXfF
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2026
— Maxx Crosby (@CrosbyMaxx) March 7, 2026
