I don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up too high, so take this with a grain of salt. But let’s face it—there has been no shortage of wild speculation surrounding the Detroit Lions this offseason. That’s what happens when a team with championship aspirations ends up winning the same number of playoff games as the Chicago Bears. Since their exit in the NFC Divisional Round, fans and analysts alike have been trying to figure out how to improve the Lions’ roster.
Among the various theories, Bleacher Report has proposed perhaps the most intriguing—if not dramatic—solution. In their latest collection of trade scenarios (which are often more fantasy than reality), they suggest a blockbuster move: Detroit acquiring Raiders defensive star Maxx Crosby in exchange for a substantial haul, including two first-round picks and backup quarterback Hendon Hooker.
Bleacher Report’s Hypothetical Deal: Crosby to the Lions
“The Lions’ defense is undergoing change with Aaron Glenn departing as coordinator, so adding an elite talent to the defensive line could help Kelvin Sheppard, the new DC, maintain momentum. The cost to acquire Crosby would be significant—two first-round selections and a promising young quarterback in Hooker, who has starting potential. However, making this move could position Detroit as the favorite to win it all next season.”
To be fair, Bleacher Report at least crafted a trade scenario that isn’t entirely far-fetched. Crosby wouldn’t come cheap—multiple first-round picks would likely be necessary to pry him away from Las Vegas. Many trade proposals floating around online tend to be unrealistic, not because of the concept itself, but because the suggested compensation is way off base. In this case, B/R seems to have gotten that part right.
That said, I’m skeptical. As crazy as it sounds, a trade for Myles Garrett might be more plausible at this point. Crosby is fiercely devoted to the Raiders, and with Pete Carroll now at the helm, he appears reinvigorated just when doubts about his future in Las Vegas were starting to creep in. So, don’t expect this trade to materialize—unless, of course, you really want to dream big. If you’re running a Lions franchise in Madden, though, consider this a solid guide on how to land your guy.
