By Moses Joshua 
With Aidan Hutchinson anchoring Detroit’s defensive line, one insider believes adding Maxx Crosby could transform the Lions from contenders into unstoppable forces.
A Dream Duo in Detroit?
The Detroit Lions have transformed their defense from one of the NFL’s weakest units into a cornerstone of their Super Bowl aspirations. General manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have methodically built a roster full of talent and toughness — and while Aidan Hutchinson has blossomed into a star, Detroit’s pass rush still lacks a true complement on the opposite edge.
That’s where Las Vegas Raiders superstar Maxx Crosby enters the conversation.
According to Detroit Free Press reporter Christian Romo, the Lions could make a bold move at the trade deadline by targeting Crosby — one of the league’s premier defensive players and owner of a $106 million contract. Citing Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton, Romo noted that a hypothetical deal could involve a “massive package” of draft capital, potentially two first-round picks.
“It’s unclear if the Lions would be willing to give up that much for Crosby, or even if the Raiders would be willing to part with Crosby in the first place,” Romo wrote. “But with edge rusher Micah Parsons having already moved from the Cowboys to the Green Bay Packers before the season began, anything seems possible.”
Raiders Reluctant, But Trade Market Heating Up
Despite growing speculation, the Las Vegas Raiders appear hesitant to move on from their defensive cornerstone. Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported that the Dallas Cowboys previously called the Raiders to inquire about Crosby — only to be turned down immediately.
“Dallas is trying. They’ve actually called around,” Glazer said. “They called the Raiders for Maxx Crosby, was told no. They called the Bengals for Trey Hendrickson, was told no. They are calling around for help on defense.”
Adding to that, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero revealed that Crosby himself has no interest in leaving Las Vegas. He reportedly met with the Raiders’ front office this week, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to one another.
“Though the Las Vegas Raiders are mired in last place in the AFC West with just two wins through seven weeks, defensive end Maxx Crosby isn’t looking to move on and neither is the franchise,” NFL.com’s Grant Gordon reported.
Still, as the trade deadline approaches, front offices across the league know that circumstances can shift quickly — and a massive offer from a contending team like Detroit could change the equation.
Lions’ Defensive Vision: One Piece Away
Even if a blockbuster for Crosby never materializes, Detroit’s intent is clear — they’re one elite edge rusher away from having the kind of defense that can dominate in January. The Lions have been linked to other potential trade targets, including Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals and Jaelan Phillips or Bradley Chubb of the struggling Miami Dolphins.
Adding a proven pass rusher opposite Hutchinson would immediately elevate Detroit’s front seven, relieve pressure from their secondary, and give them the firepower to compete with NFC juggernauts like San Francisco and Philadelphia.
Dan Campbell’s message has been consistent: the Lions are done playing it safe. They’re chasing a championship — and if that means swinging for a superstar like Maxx Crosby, it’s a call worth making.
Bottom Line:
The Lions have the roster, leadership, and momentum to make a deep playoff run. Adding a relentless talent like Maxx Crosby could be the move that finally tips the balance of power in the NFC — if Detroit dares to pay the price.