One Lions Trade To Take Defense to Next Level
Brad Holmes and the Detroit Lions find themselves in an enviable position, sitting at 4-1 and atop the NFC North standings.
Yet, there's a chance that Holmes could be looking to strike a deal before the fast-approaching October 31 NFL trade deadline to take the Lions from good to great (and potentially even Super Bowl contenders).
If Holmes and Detroit's front office opt for swinging for the fences, I'd squarely focus my attention on Las Vegas Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby.
Through five weeks, the Raiders sit at 2-3 and in third place in the AFC West, and the only team they're clearly better than in their own division is the lowly Denver Broncos. That's not saying much for the Mark Davis-run franchise.
It's why speculation continues to grow that Las Vegas will be sellers as the trade deadline approaches. And, if the organization decides to go in the direction of a complete teardown, Crosby would undoubtedly be one of the team's most valuable trade pieces.
Crosby, who is still just 26 years old, is in the midst of a four-year, $94 million contract that he signed in March of 2022. And so far, the Eastern Michigan product has been worth every penny.
Since inking the extension, Crosby has racked up a staggering 17.5 sacks, 43 total quarterback hits and 30 tackles for loss.
Just a season ago, "Mad Maxx" suited up for a full season's worth of games, and accumulated career-best marks in sacks (12.5), tackles for loss (22) and QB hits (36).
The two-time Pro Bowler is the real deal, and would easily take the Lions' pass-rushing unit to the next level. He'd form a lethal pass-rushing duo with fellow EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, which would rival the best defensive end tandems in the league today.
And, most importantly, Crosby would instantaneously give Detroit a better shot to knock off the San Francisco 49ers and the reigning NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles, largely viewed as the two best teams in the NFC at this present juncture.
Now, acquiring Crosby would cost a pretty penny for the Lions. I'm thinking that Holmes & Co. would, at the very least, have to part ways with a 2024 first-round pick or a first-rounder and a young, developmental piece, like James Houston, in order to land Crosby.
Any way you slice it, I believe it'd be worth it for Detroit to deal the aforementioned valuable assets to attain a truly game-changing player like Crosby.
The Lions – yes, the once downtrodden, dormant Lions – are built to win right now, and Crosby could definitely put them over the top and once again, put them on the same playing field as the Eagles and the 49ers.
It's why if I were presented with the opportunity to trade for Crosby, I'd pull the trigger with no hesitation.
