The Detroit Lions are looking for a big move this offseason to move closer to their Super Bowl goal, and one of the ideas that's become common in the fanbase is trading for Maxx Crosby.
Having a Michigan native come home to lead a defensive resurgence has been an appetizing thought for many since last season. It's even been an idea that has spread in the media, though it has certainly died down lately.
Heading into the offseason, it's making another comeback. In breaking down one offseason move for every NFC North team, Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated suggested a Crosby trade as the move the Lions should make.
"It’s tough to envision new Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll giving up Maxx Crosby, but the Lions should at least make the call in hopes of pairing Aidan Hutchinson with one of the best edge rushers in the NFL."
"Crosby, a Michigan native, has said multiple times he’s tired of losing and the Raiders aren’t close to being a winning organization, especially without a franchise quarterback. Instead of wasting another prime year with Crosby, Las Vegas should be able to get a few valuable draft picks from Detroit, which needs to swing big to make the most of its Super Bowl window."
"The Lions were quickly bounced from the postseason in the divisional round because of a poor defensive performance against the Washington Commanders. But if they land Crosby, the Lions would add depth and buy time for Hutchinson to make a full recovery from his severe leg injury last season."
It's hard to argue that Crosby could put the Lions over the top. Adding his 59.5 career sacks would help a Detroit defensive line that needs more star power, especially given some of the worse options that exist in free agency. In spite of that, it's difficult to see a move happening.
Maxx Crosby trade pursuit seems a very unlikely endeavor for Detroit Lions
While adding a player like Crosby makes sense, his pursuit seems farfetched. The biggest reason? It's likely the Raiders wouldn't want to trade the face of their franchise as they start over with new head coach Pete Carroll. Given Carroll is 73, it's not likely he signed on for a full-fledged rebuild. To that end, Manzano is correct in his initial assessment.
It's important to note that while Crosby has seemed unhappy in Las Vegas, he has not publicly requested a trade like Myles Garrett. The Cleveland Browns may be adamant they aren't trading Garrett, but Garrett clearly operates from a greater position of power than Crosby. He could certainly force Cleveland's hand, especially if he desired a certain location over others. That means as unlikely as a Garrett trade seems, it's more of a possibility than a deal for Crosby.
The Lions could use a star addition to their defense this offseason, but it has seemed as if the Crosby ship has sailed. That's true no matter how many times analysts try to stir the idea back up. The Lions would be wise to focus their addition toward Garrett.
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