No one would argue that the 2025 season was a failure for the Detroit Lions, as they missed the playoffs in a year where many thought they were Super Bowl-bound.
But injuries played a role, as did two coordinator changes, with Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn both moving on.
That leaves Dan Campbell with the job of now picking this team up and going again in 2026.
But how can the Lions get back to being the dominant force we saw in 2024?
For NFL.com’s Marc Ross, how about a trade for Maxx Crosby?
“The Lions have so much talent on the roster, and it does appear their Super Bowl window is still open,” Ross wrote. “However, Detroit missed the playoffs in 2025, showing that this league does fall in line with the “Not For Long” motto. Crosby would perfectly complement Aidan Hutchinson, forming a top pass-rush duo in Detroit.
“His play style fully aligns with Dan Campbell’s GRIT mentality, and the Eastern Michigan product’s homecoming would send Lions fans into a frenzy.”
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Lions defense gets huge upgrade with Crosby
The Lions had the 22nd-ranked defense in terms of points allowed in 2025 (24.3 per game), and with Aiden Hutchinson on one side and Crosby on the other, that is proper nightmare fuel for an offense.
Needing to double both Crosby and Hutchinson to stand a chance, an offense might not be able to do that consistently, leaving one of these game-wreckers in a one-on-one situation, and that’s not a good spot to be.
Of course, can the Lions eat Crosby’s $35 million APY contract? I’m sure if the Lions really wanted Crosby, they’d figure out a way.
Maxx in Detroit? Goodness me, it is rather tantalizing to think about.
