The Detroit Lions roared to a 5-1 record after defeating the Minnesota Vikings 31-29, solidifying their position atop the NFC North. This remarkable turnaround from their 3-13-1 record in 2021 showcases the impressive work of Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell. Their unconventional approach has transformed the Lions into a legitimate contender, culminating in a 12-5 record last season, an NFC North title, and an NFC Championship game appearance.
Detroit Lions celebrating a touchdownAlt: Detroit Lions players celebrating a touchdown on the field.
This season’s success, however, has been marred by a significant setback. Star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending injury in Week 6, fracturing both his tibia and fibula. With Hutchinson out for up to six months, the Lions are seeking solutions to bolster their pass rush.
Sharpe Advocates for Crosby Trade
The injury to Hutchinson has sparked discussions about potential trades to fill the void. NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, speaking on Nightcap, strongly recommended that the Lions pursue Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby. Sharpe believes Crosby’s relentless style of play is exactly what the Lions need to elevate their already strong defense.
Sharpe emphasized the Lions’ current potential and their promising future, given their young core. He argued that acquiring Crosby could be the key to transforming a good defense into a dominant one.
Sharpe proposed a trade package involving a 2025 first-round pick, a 2025 third-round pick, and a 2026 fifth-round pick. While this is a steep price, even higher than what Dan Orlovsky suggested, Sharpe believes Crosby’s immediate impact justifies sacrificing future draft capital.
“Detroit are legit. They’re getting better,” Sharpe stated. “They’re young, they’re going to be good for a while. I’m going to get Crosby. Can you imagine what that defense would be with that kind of pressure now?”
He further praised Crosby’s relentless effort, highlighting it as a quality that cannot be taught. “Maxx has what you can’t teach. That relentless effort, you can’t teach that.”
Sharpe’s urgency is evident in his reasoning: “The trade deadline is what, next week? I ain’t waiting. Maxx Crosby can help you in 2024, so it’s a no-brainer for me.”
Crosby’s Potential Homecoming
Crosby has consistently performed at a high level since being drafted by the Raiders in 2019. The 27-year-old has never recorded fewer than seven sacks in a full season and already has 6.5 sacks in 2024.
Despite his individual success, Crosby has yet to experience playoff football. With the Raiders seemingly in a rebuilding phase, a move to a contender like Detroit could be appealing.
A trade to the Lions would be a homecoming for Crosby, who was born in Lapeer, Michigan, just over an hour outside of Detroit. Although he later moved to Texas and attended Eastern Michigan University, a return to Michigan to compete for a Super Bowl would likely be a dream scenario.
Whether the Lions are willing to meet the Raiders’ asking price remains to be seen, but the potential addition of Crosby would undoubtedly strengthen their Super Bowl aspirations.
