Even if Brad Holmes prefers not to publicly acknowledge it, the Detroit Lions still have a clear need for another pass rusher.

The defense already features a premier edge threat in Aidan Hutchinson, but relying on him alone isn’t ideal. For several seasons, Detroit has yet to secure a reliable partner on the opposite side of the line to maximize the pass rush.

Holmes has generally avoided making splashy acquisitions through trades or major free-agent signings for that role. However, if the Lions were to rethink their approach, an intriguing possibility could emerge. Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders recently returned to the team after a collapsed trade involving the Baltimore Ravens. Because of that situation, Crosby could once again surface as a trade candidate. That raises the question of whether the 2026 NFL Draft might become the moment that finally brings him back to his home state of Michigan.

Hypothetical Trade Idea: Lions Acquire Crosby

One possible trade scenario would see Detroit obtain Crosby while sending the Raiders their No. 17 pick in the first round along with a second-round selection in 2027. Giving up the 17th overall pick would certainly be significant, but Detroit could still address offensive tackle later in the draft.

Heading into the draft, the Lions’ biggest priorities appear to be adding help at offensive tackle and improving the pass rush. If Detroit stays at No. 17 and selects a tackle, the team could land a prospect capable of stepping into the right tackle spot immediately. That move could also allow Penei Sewell to shift over to left tackle if needed.

On the other hand, if the front office decides pass rush is the bigger priority, trading for Crosby would provide a proven playmaker rather than a rookie still adjusting to the NFL. Such a move would give Detroit an established defensive weapon not just for 2026 but for the next several seasons.

Crosby had previously been traded to Baltimore in a deal involving two first-round picks, though the Ravens later reversed the transaction due to concerns stemming from the five-time Pro Bowler’s physical evaluation. Because of that complication—and Crosby being in his late twenties—it’s unlikely Las Vegas would receive the same return from another team. Still, a package centered around the 17th overall pick plus a 2027 second-rounder (a class many believe will be strong across multiple positions) could represent a solid outcome for the Raiders.

If Detroit and Las Vegas actually pulled off a trade like this, it would likely become one of the biggest stories of the entire 2026 draft weekend. The buzz might even surpass the attention generated when Crosby’s brief move to Baltimore was undone.

Another Route for Detroit in the Draft

Of course, the Lions could simply stay put and use their first-round pick. That approach would still make sense because the 2026 draft class appears deep with talent across multiple rounds.

In his final mock draft released on April 22, Rob Rang of Fox Sports projected Detroit selecting offensive tackle Monroe Freeling from Georgia Bulldogs football with the No. 17 pick.

Rang suggested that if one of the best blindside protectors in the class is still available, Holmes shouldn’t complicate the decision—even though Sewell has the ability to switch to the left side if necessary.

Freeling only has one season of starting experience, which raises some questions about his development. However, his size—standing 6-foot-7 and weighing around 315 pounds—gives him the physical profile teams look for in an NFL tackle. With those traits, he could fit naturally into Detroit’s offensive system if the team chooses the safer route and sticks with its original draft position.