By Sunday 
A Mock Trade That’s Stirring the NFC Pot
It’s not every day that a mock trade sets off fan debates across two conferences, but that’s exactly what Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton did when he floated the idea of Maxx Crosby heading to the Detroit Lions.
The proposed deal would see Detroit giving up a king’s ransom — two first-round picks (2026 and 2027), a couple of mid-rounders, and defensive tackle Roy Lopez — in exchange for the Raiders’ relentless edge rusher.
That’s a lot of future for one man, even if that man is Maxx Crosby. But let’s be honest — the idea of pairing Crosby with Aidan Hutchinson is enough to make any Lions fan daydream about quarterback chaos.
The Lions’ Current Defensive Storyline
Here’s the thing: Detroit isn’t exactly desperate.
- Aidan Hutchinson looks fully recovered from his 2024 injury.
- Marcus Davenport is set to return before season’s end.
- Alim McNeill just added some serious bite to the defensive front.
Throw in emerging role players like Al-Quadin Muhammad, and it’s clear the Lions have built depth — the kind of depth they’ve been missing for years.
So while adding Crosby sounds tantalizing, GM Brad Holmes has never been one to mortgage the future for a flashy move. His entire approach has been methodical, measured, and cap-smart.
Cap Space and the Hutchinson Factor
Moton did his homework, though. He points out that Detroit has about $25.1 million in cap space, and Hutchinson’s looming mega-extension could be structured to fit Crosby’s contract in the short term.
Still, it’s a tight squeeze down the line.
Both players’ contracts would converge around 2027 — the exact year the Lions could start feeling financial friction. Yes, Crosby’s deal has no dead money beyond 2026, but “tight” is never a word you want describing your future salary cap.
The Cowboy Connection
Let’s not ignore the fun part: the Dallas Cowboys reportedly sniffed around a potential Crosby trade before the rumor fizzled. ESPN’s Trey Wingo stirred the pot, and NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero quickly threw cold water on it — but not before fans imagined Crosby in blue and silver.
If Detroit were to swoop in and pull off the deal? That would be the ultimate plot twist, and yes, the ultimate heartbreak for Cowboys fans.
Verdict: Tempting, but Not the Lions’ Way
In the end, this one feels more like a “what if” than a “when.”
Detroit’s front office has shown it values sustainability over splash. Giving up two firsts and a solid rotational player for a star with injury questions just doesn’t scream “Brad Holmes.”
Still, you can’t help but smile at the thought of Crosby returning to Michigan — this time wearing Honolulu blue and silver.
Would it be worth it? Probably not.
Would it be fun? Absolutely.