Even if Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes doesn’t want to admit it, the team has a roster need in the pass rusher position.
Sure, they have an elite edge in Aidan Hutchinson, but he can’t do it alone, and the team has ignored a need for a player to pair with him for years.
While Holmes hasn’t expressed interest in shelving out bags in a flashy trade deal or free agency move to secure edge help, let’s pretend he comes to his senses. Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby is back with the franchise after a defunct deal with the Baltimore Ravens, and he could be on the trade block. So, is the 2026 NFL draft the place where Crosby will finally come home to Michigan?
Original Trade Pitch: Detroit Lions Get Maxx Crosby From Las Vegas Raiders
In this original trade pitch, the Detroit Lions get Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders get their No. 17 pick in Round 1 and a second-rounder in 2027. Sure, it would hurt to part with that No. 17 selection, but the Lions can find a solid offensive tackle later in the draft.
The Detroit Lions’ two top needs are offensive tackle and pass rusher. If the team stays put and drafts a tackle at No. 17, they’ll be able to get a reasonable player who can perhaps start at right tackle as a rookie, which the Lions can accommodate by moving Penei Sewell to the left side.
But, if Detroit is more inclined to take a pass-rusher in Round 1, then making a move for Crosby brings in a better and more proven asset in 2026 and for the next two seasons.
Crosby went for two firsts to the Ravens before Baltimore took back the trade back citing an issue with the five-time Pro Bowler’s physical. Las Vegas isn’t getting two firsts for an edge in his late 20s from anyone else. But, the 17th pick and a second-rounder in a 2027 class, which is projected to be excellent across several positions, is a good return.
If the Lions and Raiders were to pull this off, I have to say it would be the talk of the 2026 NFL draft. It would even be bigger than when Crosby came back from the Ravens to the Raiders. Let’s cross our fingers and hope it happens.
Another Option for the Detroit Lions in the 2026 NFL Draft
Let’s say the Lions play it safe and just keep their No. 17. That’s totally fine, because this is a rich draft class, and there’s a lot of potential in all three rounds.
In his final draft projection released on Wednesday, April 22, Rob Rang of Fox Sports has the Lions use No. 17 to take the safe choice of offensive tackle Monroe Freeling from Georgia.
“Sure, All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell can handle the switch to left tackle, but if arguably the best blindside blocker of this class happens to be available, GM Brad Holmes shouldn’t overthink things,” he notes in the piece.
Freeling only has experience as a starter for one year, so that’s a bit troubling. But, at 6’7″ and 315-pounds, he has the ideal frame for a tackle and would fit well in the Detroit Lions’ scheme.
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