Talk of the moving on from is typically dismissed almost instantly by the fan base. However, that conversation gained surprising traction Tuesday after it was raised on , the team’s flagship radio partner.

The discussion was sparked by a national trade concept floated by of . Barnwell proposed a headline-grabbing scenario in which the would send and a 2026 first-round selection to the in exchange for star pass rusher and a 2027 fifth-round pick. That hypothetical deal quickly opened the door for Detroit-centric speculation.

Radio Host Suggests Alternate Blockbuster

During a fill-in appearance for , veteran host — known to listeners as Stoney — reworked the proposal. Instead of Moore, he suggested Williams as the trade centerpiece and posed the question of whether Detroit should seriously consider it.

Stone made it clear he would pull the trigger. His reasoning centered on roster construction. With already established as a top target and young receiver developing after the team invested draft capital in him, Stone argued the opportunity to pair Crosby with would outweigh the loss. In his view, premier edge rushers are rarely attainable, and Detroit should worry about the financial details afterward.

His stance boiled down to asset allocation: while Williams is progressing and remains highly regarded, an elite defensive playmaker could have a more immediate and dramatic impact.

Initial Resistance, Then Agreement

Co-host initially hesitated. Earlier in the week, he had faced criticism for entertaining a separate trade idea involving St. Brown, so he approached this scenario cautiously.

But as the discussion unfolded, Beard acknowledged the roster realities. Detroit has limited draft capital and significant financial commitments on offense — including a looming expensive quarterback situation. He noted that bolstering the offensive line may demand early draft resources, potentially leaving defensive upgrades harder to secure. From that perspective, flipping a valuable offensive piece for a proven defensive star could accelerate the team’s timeline.

Why the Debate Has Staying Power

Williams is coming off arguably his most well-rounded campaign, and the organization still believes in his upward trajectory. At the same time, the Lions view themselves as contenders, and a player like Crosby could immediately elevate a defensive front that still has unanswered questions.

Ultimately, landing a game-changing defender often requires surrendering a fan-favorite contributor. Whether general manager would seriously explore such a move remains uncertain. Still, the fact that the topic is being seriously discussed on the team’s primary radio outlet underscores how strongly many believe Detroit needs a dominant defensive presence to reach the next level.