Maxx Crosby trade will send him to the Baltimore Ravens, not the Detroit Lions, once the new league year and 2026 NFL free agency officially begins Wednesday afternoon.
Crosby has been traded from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Ravens, reportedly for two first-round picks, with news breaking late Friday night.
Earlier Friday, the Lions found themselves suddenly with a gaping hole at left tackle, after the longest-tenured Lion, Taylor Decker, requested to be released because the team asked him to take a pay cut.
The Lions kicked off March by trading running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans on March 2. In return, the Lions collected a 2026 fourth-round pick, a 2027 seventh-round pick and backup offensive lineman Juice Scruggs.
Later that day, the Lions released center Graham Glasgow, who had started here the past three seasons. The move provides the team some salary relief as it looks to get under the cap before the March 11 deadline, but it also leaves a huge hole on the interior offensive line.
The Lions will likely focus on acquiring two starting-caliber offensive linemen through either a trade, free agency or through the draft. Even if they move second-year guard Tate Ratledge to center, they would need to plug a new hole in the interior. (Ratledge has not played center in the NFL.)
We have Lions rumors, news, trades and transactions from around the NFL below.
Lions rumors, NFL free agency news 2026
Lions predictions in free agency, defense
Our Lions/NFL insider Dave Birkett predicted what will happen with the Lions’ 17 defensive free agents, notably Alex Anzalone, Al-Quadin Muhammad and Amik Robertson.
Lions predictions in free agency, offense
The Lions have eight pending free agents on offense, so our insider Dave Birkett predicted whether each one would return to Detroit or depart this offseason. Their top offensive free agent is receiver Kalif Raymond.
Maxx Crosby traded to Ravens from Raiders: March 6
The apple of every Lions fan’s eye will, indeed, be playing somewhere besides Las Vegas next season, as the Raiders sent Maxx Crosby to Baltimore for the Ravens’ first-round pick this year (No. 14 overall) plus a 2027 first-rounder on Friday, March 6.
Crosby, a Lapeer native who starred at Eastern Michigan before spending seven seasons in black and silver, had 69½ sacks in 110 games with the Raiders. He was picked No. 106 overall, early in Round 4, in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Garrett Bradbury traded to Bears: March 6
Chicago has found its replacement for the retired Drew Dalman at center. In return for Bradbury, New England acquired a fifth-round pick in 2027.
Bradbury, 30, is a former first-round pick (No. 18 overall) with the Minnesota Vikings in 2019, who signed a two-year deal with the Patriots last year in free agency. He started all 21 games for New England in 2025, including Super Bowl 60.
Texans release Joe Mixon: March 6
The Houston Texans released running back Joe Mixon, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, after Mixon requested his release.
Mixon was Houston’s leading rusher in 2024, running for 1,016 yards on 245 attempts while earning his second Pro Bowl nod.
He missed the entire 2025 season due to injury. The Texans ‘ backfield was crowded following their Monday trade with the Lions that sent running back David Montgomery to Houston, making Mixon expendable.
Former Michigan standout Rashan Gary retracts goodbye post: March 6
Green Bay Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary posted and then deleted a farewell message to his Instagram account on Friday. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Packers have not released Gary while “all options still remain on the table.”
Taylor Decker requests release: March 6
A little over a week after Lions left tackle Taylor Decker announced he would return for his 11th season instead of retiring, Decker posted on Instagram that he has requested his release from the team.
According to our Lions insider Dave Birkett, the Lions asked Decker to take a pay cut for the upcoming season, and he didn’t agree.
Without Decker in the fold, offensive tackle has likely jumped near the top of the team’s priority list for offseason additions.
Raiders release Geno Smith: March 6
The Las Vegas Raiders announced they will release quarterback Geno Smith on Friday, barring a trade by Wednesday, March 11. Smith was the team’s starter in 2025 but threw a league-high 17 interceptions as the Raiders went 2-13 over his 15 starts.
The Raiders have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and are projected to take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Smith, 35, is now looking for a new team.
Tyler Biadasz signs with the Chargers: March 6
As first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, free agent center Tyler Biadasz agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers. Biadasz, 28, played his first four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys before signing with the Washington Commanders in 2024.
That takes a high-profile center off the board for the Lions, who are likely prioritizing finding a center in free agency or the trade market. Other free agent centers still remain, with the biggest target being Tyler Linderbaum, a four-year starter with the Baltimore Ravens.
Emari Demercado a free agent: March 5
Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Arizona Cardinals have non-tendered running back Emari Demercado, making him a free agent ahead of the 2026 season.
The 27-year-old Demercado was Arizona’s second back in a depleted backfield in 2025, putting up 819 yards on 126 carries over three seasons in Arizona. He also has ties to new Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and was included among the seven running backs our Lions insider Dave Birkett said Detroit should look at this offseason.
Demercado will have the option to sign with any NFL team, including the Cardinals, once the free agency period begins on March 11. The Lions are likely in the market for a backup running back after trading David Montgomery to the Houston Texans on Monday, March 2.
Cameron Jordan electing free agency: March 5
New Orleans Saints edge rusher Cameron Jordan will elect free agency, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and expects to play in 2026.
Jordan, 36, has spent his entire 15-year NFL career with the Saints. His 10½ sacks from 2025 were the most he had in a season since 2021, and he’s currently second on the career sacks leaderboard among active players (132), behind only Von Miller (138½).
Jedrick Wills visiting with Lions: March 5
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, offensive tackle Jedrick Wills is visiting with several NFL teams, including the Lions on Thursday.
Wills was the No. 10 overall pick in 2020 and spent his first five seasons with the Cleveland Browns. He missed all of 2025 as a free agent, however, focusing on recovering from a knee injury.
The 6-4, 307-pound tackle could provide the Lions needed depth at the tackle position, as starting left tackle Taylor Decker is returning for his 11th season but may continue to battle injuries in 2026.
Bears trading D.J. Moore to Bills: March 5
As first reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Chicago Bears are trading wide receiver D.J. Moore to the Buffalo Bills. Moore caught 96 and 98 passes, respectively, in his first two years with the Bears in 2023 and 2024, but saw his production decline in 2025 as he caught 50 passes (while adding six receiving touchdowns).
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Bears are getting a 2026 second-round pick in the deal while also sending a 2026 fifth-round pick to Buffalo.
Lions can make these five moves to win free agency
Our Lions insider Dave Birkett laid out his five-step plan for the Lions to win free agency ahead of the 2026 season.
Unsurprisingly, it starts with acquiring a center, with one big name at the top of many teams’ list.
Aaron Rodgers non-committal to retirement
Free agent quarterback (and Detroit Lions killer) Aaron Rodgers went on the Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, March 4, and didn’t reveal whether he would be retiring for the upcoming season.
“Anyone on here expecting me to make some big decision on here, just turn it off right now,” he said.
Rodgers, 42, has played in 21 NFL seasons and most recently led the Pittsburgh Steelers to the playoffs in 2025. The Steelers have not yet announced who will be their starting quarterback in 2026, and while Rodgers may be a candidate, there hasn’t been any reporting showing the Steelers interest in a reunion.
Jake Bates re-signed by Lions: March 4
The Lions will have continuity at kicker this fall. They have tendered Bates – a former brick salesman – a qualifying offer as an exclusive rights free agent, ensuring Bates will be on their roster in 2026.
After starring for the Michigan Panthers of the UFL, Bates signed with the Lions in 2024. He set a franchise record with 142 points that season, and made 26 of 29 field goals and 64 of 67 extra points as the Lions went a franchise-best 15-2. In 2025, Bates was 27-for-34 on field goals and 54-for-56 on PATs.
Patriots releasing Stefon Diggs: March 4
The New England Patriots are releasing wide receiver Stefon Diggs, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
The 32-year-old wideout played in 17 games for the Patriots last season, grabbing 85 catches and four touchdowns for the AFC champions. He joins big-name wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Mike Evans on the free agent market.
Trent McDuffie traded to Rams: March 4
The Kansas City Chiefs are sending All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams for four draft picks, including a first-rounder (No. 29 overall) in 2026. The Rams still keep the No. 15 overall pick as part of the deal.
Upgrading the cornerback position doesn’t look like a priority for the Lions this offseason, but that could change depending on the outcome of cornerback Terrion Arnold’s potential legal difficulties surrounding a robbery case in Florida. Arnold has not been charged with any crimes related to the case and denies any involvement with a Tampa robbery from early February.
Bears in the market for a center?
When news broke of Chicago Bears Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman announcing his retirement at 27, it created a big hole on the roster for a Super Bowl contender.
And with the Lions also potentially looking for a starting-caliber center, there might be competition within the NFC North to find that center via trade or free agency.
Packers sign RB Chris Brooks: March 4
The Green Bay Packers signed free agent running back Chris Brooks on a two-year, $4.85 million deal. Brooks played with the Packers from 2024-25 and had 63 combined rushing attempts and 24 total catches in those two seasons.
Brooks was one of the seven free-agent running backs our Lions insider Dave Birkett said the Lions should consider signing. With Brooks heading back to Green Bay, however, it takes one option off the board.
Amon-Ra St. Brown ‘sick’ by Montgomery trade: March 4
Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown said he was “sick” about Detroit trading Montgomery to the Texans, but that he was also happy Montgomery would be getting a bigger role with the Texans than he recently had with the Lions.
“I’m upset, but I’m happy for him. I love D-Mo,” he said.
Maxx Crosby trade brewing?
Rumors of the Las Vegas Raiders trading star edge rusher Maxx Crosby are swirling. He could be a great fit in Honolulu blue alongside Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, but as our Lions insider Dave Birkett points out, the Lions would have a difficult time putting together an adequate trade package for Crosby.
Graham Glasgow released: March 2
The Lions released longtime interior lineman Graham Glasgow on Monday, March 2, in a move that saved the Lions $5.5 million in salary cap space.
Glasgow played seven of his 10 NFL seasons in Detroit after being drafted in the third round by the Lions out of Michigan in 2016.
David Montgomery traded to Texans: March 2
The Lions traded running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans on Monday, March 2, giving Montgomery an opportunity to increase his workload on a contending team while providing the Lions some salary-cap relief.
The Lions got back a 2026 fourth-round pick, a 2027 seventh-round pick and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs from the Texans in return. Detroit now has eight, and potentially nine, picks ahead of the 2026 draft after the trade.
Detroit Lions offseason dates to know
NFL operations booklet explains more.
Lions pending free agents in 2026
Unrestricted free agents
*Because Onwuzurike and Paschal each missed the entire season on injured reserve, their contracts from 2025 can be rolled into 2026, should the Lions desire. Both would be paid at their 2025 salary.
Restricted free agents
A restricted free agent has three accrued NFL seasons and is on an expiring contract. His current team gets to make a qualifying offer before the free agent can sign with any other team.
Exclusive rights free agents
This is a player with less than three accrued seasons on an expiring contract. His team has exclusive rights to sign him to a deal, and he can only go elsewhere if his team does not offer him a contract.
Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft picks
Detroit Lions NFL schedule 2026
Dates, times and TV info will be announced later this year, most likely in mid-May.
*2025 playoff teams denoted by asterisk
Home games
One of these home games will be played in Munich, Germany, though the NFL has not indicated which game or when.
Away games
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You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lions free agency 2026 live updates: Rumors, news and NFL moves
Reporting by Christian Romo, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
