After falling short of their goal of winning the Super Bowl in 2024, the Detroit Lions must focus on reloading and strengthening their already talented roster to finally break through.
One key area of concern is the pass rush. While Aidan Hutchinson is expected to return from injury in 2025, his absence highlighted the team’s lack of depth, which they need to address. Additionally, the Lions lack a long-term solution at the other edge rusher spot. Za’Darius Smith remains under contract but is not guaranteed to return, and even if he does, at 32 years old, his future beyond 2025 is uncertain as he approaches free agency in 2026.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine recently proposed a blockbuster trade between the Lions and Las Vegas Raiders, suggesting Detroit acquire star edge rusher Maxx Crosby. In this deal, the Lions would receive Crosby and a 2025 fifth-round pick in exchange for quarterback Hendon Hooker, as well as their 2025 and 2026 first-round draft picks.
Ballentine argues that such a move would be a bold all-in push for the Lions, forming a formidable pass-rush trio of Hutchinson, Crosby, and Smith. With defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn departing, an elite defensive
