The Detroit Lions have lost star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson to a broken tibia, an injury he sustained during the team’s dominant 47-9 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 13, in Texas. With this significant loss, NFL analysts are exploring potential options to strengthen the Lions’ defensive line.
One name that has surfaced is Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders. Crosby, a Michigan native from Lapeer who played college football at Eastern Michigan, is a fan favorite in Detroit.
NFL Analyst: ‘Crosby Is Clearly Frustrated With His Team’
In an October 14 article for Sporting News, NFL analyst Teddy Ricketson highlighted Crosby as a possible replacement for Hutchinson. Ricketson noted the Raiders’ struggles under coach Antonio Pierce, with their momentum from the end of last season failing to carry into 2024.
Ricketson pointed to the Raiders’ 32-13 loss to the Steelers on October 13 as evidence of these ongoing issues. “Crosby is clearly frustrated with his team. He shoved a coach after leaving the field late in Week 6’s loss,” Ricketson wrote. “While this behavior isn’t new for Crosby, it seems he could be seeking a fresh start, and the Raiders might want to trade him while his value is high.”
Given Crosby’s talent and age—he’s just 27—Ricketson believes a trade would demand a hefty return, likely a first-round pick. “It may be too expensive for the Lions,” Ricketson admits, “but if they can make the salary work, pairing Crosby with Hutchinson would be a dream for Detroit fans.”
Bringing Crosby to Detroit Would Come at a High Cost
Christian Booher of Sports Illustrated agrees that acquiring Crosby would be costly for the Lions. In an October 14 feature, Booher discussed Crosby’s contract, which runs through 2026. “Taking on his contract would consume a large portion of Detroit’s cap space,” Booher explained, “but it would fill a key position of need with an elite player.”
Booher noted that Crosby is set to earn $22.236 million next season and $18.84 million the year after, making the potential trade a significant financial commitment in addition to any draft capital the Lions would need to offer.
Mike Payton of A to Z Sports echoed this sentiment, writing on October 13 that any deal for Crosby would likely involve a first-round pick. “It’s unlikely the Lions would get much more than that in return,” Payton stated, drawing comparisons to the Khalil Mack trade as a possible benchmark.
Crosby’s Commitment to the Raiders
Despite the speculation, Crosby has expressed his loyalty to the Raiders as recently as October 6, even showing off a tattoo of the team’s logo. “I gotta hear from these clowns on the Pat McAfee show. I’ll take a bullet for everyone in this locker room. You think I want to be anywhere else? I got this tatted on my body,” Crosby said.
Adding to the uncertainty, Raiders owner Mark Davis told The Athletic on October 16 that a Crosby trade is “just not happening.” However, Crosby’s recent comments from the locker room on October 16—“Wherever I’m going to be… I’m going to be here to win”—could suggest some openness to a potential move.
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