After falling short of their Super Bowl goals in 2024, the Detroit Lions are eager to retool and enhance their roster for the 2025 season. While the offence has shown promise, the Lions must need to improve their defence, particularly their pass rush. Aidan Hutchinson will return from injury in 2025, but the Lions must address the defensive line’s lack of depth.
Lions’ Defensive Line Needs Immediate Help
One major concern is that Detroit lacks a long-term solution across from Hutchinson. While Za’Darius Smith is under contract, he is 32 years old and may not be part of the team’s future plans. The Lions need someone who can make an impact on the edge and apply consistent pressure to opposing quarterbacks.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine proposes a massive trade with the Las Vegas Raiders to overhaul the Lions’ defence. The Lions would send a large package, including two first-round selections and quarterback Hendon Hooker, in exchange for superstar edge rusher Maxx Crosby. The hypothetical exchange would appear like this:
Detroit Lions acquire EDGE Maxx Crosby, a 2025 fifth-round pick (144th overall).
Las Vegas Raiders receive: 2025 first-round pick (28th overall), 2026 first-round pick, QB Hendon Hooker.
Maxx Crosby could be the missing piece of Detroit’s defence.
This move would put the Lions in “win-now” mode by adding one of the NFL’s top pass rushers. Crosby, a four-time Pro Bowler, would join Hutchinson to form the league’s most powerful defensive line combo. The arrival of Crosby would greatly strengthen the defence and provide new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard with a good basis for success in 2025.
Price to Pay: Two first-round picks and a hooker
While the price is high — two first-round picks and a promising young quarterback in Hooker — the trade might propel the Lions to the top of the NFC standings. Crosby, a Michigan native and former Eastern Michigan star, may be eager to return to his origins and play for a Super Bowl contender. Crosby has voiced unhappiness with the Raiders’ recent troubles, but remains optimistic about their future. However, it is evident that if Crosby were available, Detroit would be an excellent fit for him.
Raiders’ View: Long-Term Gain in Crosby Deal
Receiving two first-round picks in exchange for Crosby would be a big gain for the Raiders, especially given Hooker’s potential as a long-term quarterback. Hooker might be a significant piece in the Raiders’ rebuilding efforts, as they have struggled with quarterback stability in recent years.
Will Crosby leave Las Vegas?
While it’s easy to imagine Crosby wearing Honolulu Blue next season, it’s unclear whether the Raiders would be willing to part with him. However, if the Lions can close the deal, it will go a long way toward strengthening their defence and possibly propelling them to the next level in their chase of a Super Bowl.
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