The Detroit Lions walked into the 2025 season with sky-high expectations. After an electric 2024 campaign that had them knocking on the door of the Super Bowl, many believed they were ready to kick that door down. Instead, they stumbled-missing the playoffs entirely in a year that was supposed to mark their arrival as a true NFC powerhouse.
But let’s not hit the panic button just yet. Injuries played a part, and losing both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn didn’t help.
That kind of turnover can throw even the most talented teams off balance. Now, head coach Dan Campbell is back at the drawing board, tasked with reigniting the fire that made Detroit one of the league’s most exciting teams just a year prior.
So, how do the Lions get back to that 2024 form? One bold idea making the rounds: trade for Maxx Crosby.
It’s not just a pipe dream. The fit makes a lot of sense.
Crosby is one of the league’s premier edge rushers-relentless, physical, and disruptive. Pair him with Aidan Hutchinson, and suddenly Detroit’s pass rush goes from good to terrifying.
That duo could wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, forcing hurried throws, disrupting timing, and creating the kind of chaos that flips games.
In 2025, Detroit’s defense ranked 22nd in points allowed, giving up 24.3 per game. That’s not going to cut it if you’re trying to contend for a title.
They need more pressure, more splash plays, more fear factor. Crosby brings all of that.
His motor never stops, and his style of play fits Dan Campbell’s GRIT mantra like a glove. You can already hear the roar at Ford Field if the Eastern Michigan product comes home.
Think about what that would mean schematically. Offenses would be forced to pick their poison: double-team Hutchinson and leave Crosby one-on-one?
Or vice versa? Either way, it’s a nightmare scenario for offensive coordinators.
You can’t chip both edges every snap. Eventually, someone’s getting home-and when that happens, turnovers and momentum swings follow.
Now, there’s the financial angle. Crosby carries a hefty $35 million annual price tag.
That’s not pocket change. But if Detroit believes they’re still in their Super Bowl window-and with this roster, they should-then it’s the kind of move you find a way to make.
Cap space can be manipulated. Contracts can be restructured.
If the Lions want Crosby badly enough, they’ll figure it out.
This is a team that tasted the big stage and wants more. Adding a player like Crosby could be the spark that gets them back on track.
And if it happens? The rest of the NFC better be ready.
Because the Lions won’t just be back-they’ll be hunting.