Is the Maxx Crosby and Lions dream finally over, or just starting?

The Las Vegas Raiders and edge rusher Maxx Crosby are back together again, but he's still one of the most talked-about trade candidates in the NFL.

There's so much drama surrounding Crosby and the Raiders. The team was happy to trade him to the Baltimore Ravens during the offseason, only to have Crosby fail his physical and come right back to the Raiders. From there, both Crosby and the Raiders acted like it was a blessing in disguise and that the reunion is just what this hurting franchise needs.

But, don't kid yourself. Crosby is still up for grabs, for the right price. For years, the Detroit Lions seemed to want in on him, or at least their fanbase did. Crosby is a Michigan native and played ball at Eastern Michigan University. He has the Detroit "bad boy" attitude and physicality. What's not to like?

Maxx Crosby: Will he ever join the Lions?

So, if the Lions ever have a chance to sign Crosby, it's over the next year. He's a tradable asset. If he's going to be traded, it will likely happen in the next 12 months.

Even after all the talk about a Crosby trade back home, it seems unlikely, at best. General manager Brad Holmes doesn't like spending the kind of money and resources on players like Crosby, who are at their peak but won't be there for long. Instead, he invests in cheaper, budding talent or does these one-year deals with veterans who have experience but aren't name brands.

Plus, look at the edge rushers the Lions just added in 2026. We're talking veterans DJ Wonnum and Payton Turner, as well as Derrick Moore and Tyre West in the NFL draft. Those aren't moves from a franchise looking to sign Crosby.

It really does appear the window to have the Lions sign Crosby and bring him to Detroit has closed. At least for now, but never say never in the NFL.