The Detroit Lions crumbled in the postseason against the Washington Commanders, partially due to a plethora of injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Arguably their best player, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, missed a majority of the year due to injury, forcing the Lions’ front office to make a move for Za’Darius Smith midseason.
This summer, instead of relying solely on Hutchinson to pressure opposing quarterbacks, Detroit could acquire a havoc-wreaking edge rusher. Maxx Crosby is rumored to see a change of scenery prior to next season because of the Las Vegas Raiders’ ongoing rebuild — and it’s hard to imagine a better fit than with the Lions.
Lions Predicted To Acquire Maxx Crosby From Las Vegas Raiders
Hutchinson and Crosby would instantly form the best pass-rushing tandem in the NFL. Prior to his injury, the former had a strong chance to win Defensive Player of the Year, while the latter is a four-time Pro Bowler with a 14.5-sack campaign under his belt.
And in a blockbuster move, Bleacher Report predicts the Lions to acquire Crosby in a Super Bowl push.
“Crosby would be costly, both in terms of the draft capital needed to acquire him and the new deal he would almost certainly want. However, there isn’t a team in the NFL more in ‘win-now’ mode than Detroit. And it’s no secret the Lions need a batterymate for Aidan Hutchinson on the edge,” B/R’s Gary Davenport wrote. “Who’s up for a blockbuster?”
According to PFSN’s Defense+ metrics, the Raiders’ defense ranked 21st in the NFL last season, compared to the Lions’ unit, which slotted at No. 5. Not only would it be a huge leap for Crosby if this blockbuster took place, but assuming the roster remains healthy, Detroit’s defense could be atop the league next year.
As previously mentioned, a parting of ways would stem from Crosby’s desire to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy, which was noted by Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
“Still only 27, Crosby has said before he wants to be a ‘Raider for life’ and has been loyal to the organization. He also has been open about his frustrations with the team’s seemingly endless string of changes and mounting losses. Crosby wants to win and be a big reason behind the success,” Pelissero and Rapoport wrote.
There’s no telling just how high the cost would be to land Crosby, but if it results in the organization’s first-ever Super Bowl, any amount of assets would be worth it.
