After falling short of their Super Bowl dreams in 2024, the Detroit Lions are aiming to retool and enhance their roster for the 2025 season. While their offense has shown potential, the team must prioritize improving their defense, especially their pass rush. Aidan Hutchinson will return from injury in 2025, but the Lions need to address the lack of depth on their defensive line.
Lions’ Defensive Line Needs Immediate Help
A major concern for Detroit is the lack of a long-term solution opposite Hutchinson. While Za’Darius Smith is under contract, he’s 32 years old and may not be part of the team’s future plans. The Lions need to find someone who can make an impact on the edge and consistently apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Hypothetical Trade Details:
In a trade proposal that could significantly alter the Lions’ defense, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine suggests a blockbuster deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. In this hypothetical trade, the Lions would send a substantial package, including two first-round picks and quarterback Hendon Hooker, to acquire superstar edge rusher Maxx Crosby. The details of the proposed trade are as follows:
Detroit Lions receive:
- EDGE Maxx Crosby
- 2025 fifth-round pick (No. 144 overall)
Las Vegas Raiders receive:
- 2025 first-round pick (No. 28 overall)
- 2026 first-round pick
- QB Hendon Hooker
Maxx Crosby Could Be the Missing Piece for Detroit’s Defense
This move would shift the Lions into “win-now” mode by adding one of the NFL’s top pass rushers. Crosby, a four-time Pro Bowler, would pair with Hutchinson, forming one of the most dominant defensive line duos in the league. Acquiring Crosby would greatly strengthen the defense and provide new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard with a solid foundation to build a successful 2025 campaign.
Price to Pay: Two First-Round Picks and Hooker
While the price is high — two first-round picks and a promising young quarterback in Hooker — this trade could elevate the Lions to the top of the NFC. Crosby, a Michigan native and former Eastern Michigan standout, might be motivated to return to his roots and play for a Super Bowl contender. Although Crosby has voiced frustration with the Raiders’ recent struggles, he has also shown some optimism for the team’s future. Still, if Crosby were available, Detroit would clearly be an ideal fit for him.
Raiders’ Perspective: Long-Term Gain in Crosby Deal
For the Raiders, acquiring two first-round picks for Crosby would be a major victory, particularly with Hooker offering potential as a long-term solution at quarterback. The Raiders have struggled with instability at the quarterback position for years, and Hooker could play a crucial role in their rebuilding process.
Will Crosby Leave Las Vegas?
While it’s tempting to imagine Crosby in Honolulu Blue next season, it’s still unclear whether the Raiders would be willing to trade him. However, if the Lions could pull off the deal, it would significantly strengthen their defense and could elevate them to the next level in their quest for a Super Bowl.
