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 be seeking 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.
Detroit 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.
Aidan Hutchinson Weighs In On Potential Myles Garrett Trade
The Lions lost both of their coordinators this offseason, with DC Aaron Glenn becoming the New York Jets’ head coach and OC Ben Johnson becoming the Chicago Bears’ head coach.
With Glenn leaving, will the Lions’ defense take a step back in 2025?
Detroit promoted former linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator. Sheppard has been with the Lions since 2021, when he started as the team’s outside linebackers coach.
Getting Hutchinson back will be huge for the Lions’ defense, although it’s worth noting that the team remained a top-five unit in the second half of the 2024 season even without their superstar anchor. However, there’s no question that their pass rush took a hit without him.
Landing a fellow superstar like Crosby or disgruntled Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett would give the Lions an unstoppable tandem.
Hutchinson recently weighed in on the possibility of teaming up with Garrett after the two were spotted talking at the NFL Honors award show.
“If me and Myles were to pair up, that would be deadly. I don’t know if we’ve seen anything like it,” Hutchinson said. “I know I was talking to him, we were just at the [NFL] Honors and we were just talking about what could be and although it’s probably unlikely, I think, I would be thrilled to play next to him if it were to happen.
“But yeah, I mean our whole D-line would be just totally elevated and we would be a scary defensive line and we’d get along too, I think. I’ve seen him these last few years at different things. He texted me after I got hurt, which I don’t know, it was just a cool thing [when] guys outside of your own team who reach out to you. So, I think he’s a good dude and if he does, great. But I don’t know, we’ll see.”
Garrett is a Defensive Player of the Year, six-time All-Pro, six-time Pro Bowler, while Crosby is a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro.
The Lions are determined to hoist the Lombardi Trophy and maximize their championship window, so an aggressive move like trading for Crosby or Garrett can’t be ruled out.