“A Steep Price To Pay”: Detroit Lions Urged To Pursue Major Trade This Offseason

The Detroit Lions enjoyed one of their best seasons in franchise history. They finished the regular season with a 15-2 record and earned the number one seed, before being eliminated by the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell speaks to the media at the Detroit Lions practice facility in Allen Park on January 20, 2025, after his team’s NFC divisional playoff defeat.

The Lions have won the NFC North two years in a row and are aiming to repeat that success next season. They will look to remain one of the NFL’s top teams. Head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes will have key decisions to make regarding their roster this offseason.

Lions Consider Blockbuster Trade With Las Vegas Raiders for Maxx Crosby

It’s clear that the Detroit Lions need help strengthening their pass rush. Injuries severely impacted Detroit’s defense last season. Besides Aidan Hutchinson, they need additional support in their pass rush.

The Bleacher Report Scouting Department has proposed that the Lions trade this year’s first-round pick (28th overall), a 2026 first-round pick, and quarterback Hendon Hooker to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for Maxx Crosby and a 2025 fifth-round pick (144th overall). This potential trade could benefit both teams.

Would the Lions be willing to part with Hendon Hooker? They’d also need to find a backup for Jared Goff. The Bleacher Report Scouting Department explained:

“This would be an exciting move for several reasons. The Lions would be taking a big risk by committing to such a trade. With a defensive line trio of Aidan Hutchinson, Crosby, and Za’Darius Smith, the defense could continue to thrive despite the loss of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, allowing new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard to keep things on track.

However, this is a hefty price to pay. Two first-round picks and Hooker, who might eventually become a starter, isn’t an easy trade package to part with. But this move could elevate the Lions to the top contender for the championship next year.”

There’s no doubt that the Detroit Lions will be shopping for a pass rusher this offseason. Maxx Crosby won’t be the only player they inquire about. Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett could also be on their radar. If Detroit opts for Crosby over Garrett, it would still be a solid move.

Last season, Crosby recorded 45 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and five pass deflections. With Pete Carroll as the head coach of the Raiders, a trade for Crosby could be challenging for Detroit. Regardless, Detroit needs to make a move to improve their pass rush if they want to claim a Super Bowl title.