The Detroit Lions found a star in edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, but have been searching for three seasons to find a competent counterpart to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
They may have a chance to land one this offseason after edge rusher Maxx Crosby reportedly demanded a trade from the Las Vegas Raiders. Though the price would be high for the Lions, one insider broke down what it would take for Detroit to beat out the high competition to land Crosby.
Maxx Crosby Wants Out
Josh Helmer of USA Today’s Lions Wire noted that Crosby is expected to fetch an even higher price than Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons, but suggested it could be worth it to take Detroit’s defense to the next level.
“That’s a hefty potential asking price and one that the Lions might struggle to seriously consider as they weigh what Crosby’s star power would bring against their current cap situation and overall roster needs,” Helmer wrote.
The benefits to landing Crosby are clear despite the high price, Helmer added.
“But, Crosby is a two-time All-Pro, a five-time Pro Bowler and would instantly form the NFL’s top pass-rushing duo when paired with second-team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson,” Helmer wrote. “It would fill one of the Lions’ top offseason needs—a proven pass rusher opposite Hutchinson—with one of the league’s finest. Plus, Crosby would arrive with four seasons of team control as he inked a three-year, $106.5 million extension with the Raiders in March of last year.”
Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer reported that Crosby was incensed by the team’s decision to shut him down for the final two games of the season, placing him on injured reserve. As Glazer reported, Crosby believed he was healthy enough to play.
“There’s a couple guys. They tell you they’re playing, they’re playing,” Glazer reported.
Crosy was angry at the move, sparking immediate speculation around the league that he would be hitting the trade block, Glazer added.
“So the day [the team’s injured reserve designation] happened, no less than 20 teams called me, and asked, ‘Is this real. Can we get him?’ ” Glazer added.
There have been several teams suggested as potential landing spots for Crosby, who is reportedly not willing to play through another rebuilding process in Las Vegas. The Lions could be near the top of the list.
Lions Could Have Good Chance to Land Maxx Crosby
The Lions have taken some swings at adding another edge rusher opposite Hutchinson, but failed to find anyone who has made a long-term impact.
If they are willing to match the expectedly large asking price from Las Vegas, the Lions could find their answer in Crosby. SI.com’s John Maakaron reported that Detroit is at the top of Crosby’s list.
“The Las Vegas Raiders and star defensive end Maxx Crosby could be parting ways this offseason,” Maakaron wrote. “According to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation, if the decision is made by the Raiders’ front office to trade the 28-year-old, the Detroit Lions are Crosby’s clear first choice.”
Lions Face Clear Message on Maxx Crosby Amid Raiders Trade Demand