Perfect Lions Offseason Target May Have Just Become Available

The Lions are barreling toward the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a roster built for long-term success and sustainability, though one new revelation suggests that a perfect offseason target could soon be available.

Raiders All-Pro DE Maxx Crosby, who is widely recognized as one of the truly elite defensive linemen in the NFL, recently expressed his displeasure with his situation in Las Vegas. Crosby's reputation speaks for itself, yet the Raiders' organizational dysfunction has left him frustrated.

Since he's toiling away for one of the NFL's worst teams, Crosby could seek greener pastures elsewhere. If he does, few teams are as perfectly suited to pursue him as the Lions are.

Lions Must Pursue Raiders DE Maxx Crosby This Offseason

"Years of inconsistency, you know what I mean?" Crosby said. "It's new coaches every other year and this and this and that and new teammates...There have been plenty of times where I'm like 'Damn, this d-line is cold' and then I come back and every single one of them's gone."

He's spent his entire six-year career with the Raiders, yet has little to show for it beyond personal accolades. A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Crosby has a remarkable 59.5 sacks, notching 14.5 in a stellar 2023 season that cemented his status as a game-changing player.

Still under contract for two more years, Crosby would likely need to force Las Vegas' hand to escape the disastrous situation. Based on these comments though, it sounds like he's at least considering trying to get away from the pathetic franchise.

"There's a lot of things," Crosby continued. "It's tough, bro."

He compared himself to Browns superstar Myles Garrett, who is similarly stuck on a non-competitive team despite being one of the league's top defenders. Losing every week with no hope of playoff success wears on players. Las Vegas will likely be bad for the next several years, but Detroit has an established culture that will leave the organization competing for Super Bowls for years to come.

It's unclear what kind of trade compensation would be necessary to acquire Crosby. A player of his caliber would likely need at least a first-round draft pick to interest the Raiders, yet it's still possible should he push Las Vegas to deal him.

Regardless, Brad Holmes and the front office need to make a phone call to see if there's a trade to be made. Crosby and Aidan Hutchinson would give the Lions a truly exceptional defensive front. Given how good the offense is, that might be all it takes to give Detroit its first Lombardi Trophy.

More Detroit Lions News: