Which Star Should the Lions Actually Try to Trade for This Offseason?
Although the 2024 NFL season is still winding down, the Detroit Lions are already being linked to several stars who could be available for trade in the offseason.
These potential stars are Cooper Kupp and Myles Garrett.
Garrett recently revealed that he had requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns, while Kupp stated that the Los Angeles Rams informed him they would try to trade him.
The reasons for both players being linked to the Lions are fairly clear. Kupp has experience catching passes from Jared Goff during their time together with the Rams.
Meanwhile, Garrett fills a clear need for the Lions, who are in need of a strong pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson.
However, neither of these stars is the ideal target for the Lions this offseason.
Kupp doesn’t quite fit with the Lions’ roster. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams provide ample receiving depth, while Goff also has Sam LaPorta and Jahmyr Gibbs as key targets.
Garrett presents more of a financial issue. The Browns don’t seem keen on trading him, so they would require significant compensation to part with the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.
Additionally, Garrett will likely demand a pay raise as edge rusher contracts continue to rise in value this offseason.
Given these potential hurdles, the Lions should shift their focus to a star who has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the 2024 season, but hasn’t actually requested a trade.
Maxx Crosby should be the top target for the Lions if they want to make a major trade this offseason.
Crosby may not be as elite as Garrett, but he offers some distinct advantages. The first is that he won’t come with the same hefty price tag, either in terms of trade cost or potential contract extension demands.
Crosby had a down year, finishing with only 7.5 sacks for the Raiders, which should help keep his trade value more reasonable this offseason.
While the Browns may demand a pair of first-round picks for Garrett, Crosby’s price tag should be closer to one first-round pick plus another selection in the second or third round.
Furthermore, Crosby is nearly two years younger, which is crucial for a team like the Lions, whose Super Bowl window could remain open due to their young talent.
The Raiders are also likely to be more motivated to trade Crosby than the Browns are to move Garrett.
The Raiders’ roster is severely lacking in talent. They have no WR1 after trading away Davante Adams, no reliable quarterback, and a weak running back corps. Their offensive line has issues, and their defense allowed the eighth-most points in the league.
Additionally, several starters on defense are set to hit free agency, and a couple of late-season victories dropped the Raiders to the sixth spot in the draft order.
The Raiders need a lot of help, but don’t have many assets they can trade to acquire that help.
Trading Crosby could be the key to unlocking the draft capital the Raiders need to address multiple holes and rebuild their roster around whichever quarterback they draft in the near future.
While I believe the Lions should be all-in this offseason to pursue a Super Bowl with their talent on reasonable contracts, they should do so wisely.
They don’t need the reigning Defensive Player of the Year; they might already have the next DPOY in Aidan Hutchinson.
What they do need is another game-changing pass rusher, but one that doesn’t break the bank and allows them to address other areas of their roster.
Crosby also embodies the type of player Dan Campbell values. He’s a small-school prospect who worked his way from the fourth round to become an NFL star.
The kind of determination it takes to achieve that path fits perfectly with Campbell’s culture.
If the Lions are serious about making a trade for a star this offseason, Crosby seems to be the best and most realistic option, assuming the Raiders don’t make the mistake of being stubborn while rebuilding.