Maxx Crosby of the Raiders might help the Lions defense in one trade that would elevate defense to a new level.
With a 4-1 record and the first spot in the NFC North rankings, Brad Holmes and the Detroit Lions are in a desirable situation.
But, in order to help the Lions go from excellent to great (and maybe even Super Bowl contenders), Holmes might be looking to make a deal before the rapidly approaching October 31 NFL trade deadline.
If Holmes and the Detroit front management decide to go all in, I would totally concentrate on Las Vegas Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosb.
After five weeks, the Raiders are 2-3 and in third place in the AFC West. The only team in their own division that they decisively outperform is the Denver Broncos. That doesn’t say much for the team led by Mark Davis.
Because of this, there is growing speculation that as the trade deadline draws near, Las Vegas will be sellers. And Crosby would certainly be among the team’s most prized trade pieces if the club chooses to go with a total rebuild.
At barely 26 years old, Crosby is now in the middle of a $94 million, four-year contract that he signed in March 2022. Thus far, the product from Eastern Michigan has proven to be well worth the money.
Crosby has amassed an incredible 17.5 sacks, 43 total QB hits, and 30 tackles for loss since signing the agreement.
When “Mad Maxx” dressed up for the entire season the previous year, he recorded career-high numbers in sacks (12.5), tackles for loss (22) and quarterback hits (36).
The Lions’ pass-rushing team would undoubtedly advance with the addition of the two-time Pro Bowler, who is the real deal. Together with fellow EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, he would create a devastating pass-rushing combination that could rival the top defensive end duos in the league right now.
Most significantly, though, Crosby would immediately give Detroit a stronger chance to defeat the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles, who are currently thought to be the two best teams in the NFC.
Now, the Lions would have to pay a hefty price to acquire Crosby. I believe that in order to get Crosby, Holmes & Co. would, at the absolute least, need to give up a 2024 first-round selection or a first-round pick in exchange for a young, developing player like James Houston.
Whatever the case, I think it would be worthwhile for Detroit to part with the aforementioned pricey assets in order to acquire a player as important to the team as Crosby.
The Lions, yes, the formerly despised and moribund Lions, are built to win right now, and Crosby may lift them to a new level and put them back on par with the 49ers and Eagles.
That’s the reason I would act without hesitation if given the chance to trade for Crosby.
