The Detroit Lions may not wait for the draft board to fall. A new report outlined three proven veterans, including a high-impact defensive option, as potential trade targets.

According to Vito Chirco of Sports Illustrated, the GM Brad Holmes of the Detroit Lions hinted that they can make trades for proven star players, edge Maxx Crosby, tight end Evan Engram, and cornerback Kristian Fulton. 

“Holmes has never been afraid to make a draft-day deal,” Chirco wrote. “So it is likely he will package some of his nine current 2026 selections to execute a trade or two.”

The first one in the list is Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders. 

After the departure of Al-Quadin Muhammad to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Lions were looking for a running mate for Aidan Hutchinson. 

In the 2025 NFL season, Hutchinson (14.5 sacks) was paired with Muhammad (11 sacks) in 17 games. 

According to Chirco, Crosby would be the perfect replacement for Muhammad. Recognized for his elite pass-rushing abilities, grit, and endurance, “Mad Maxx” has been a 5x Pro Bowler, recording more than 10 sacks in four seasons.

Followed by Engram of the Denver Broncos, the two-time Pro Bowler is known for his agility and receiving ability, a hybrid playmaker rather than a traditional inline blocker.

Appearing in 16 games, he has earned a modest PFF grade of 56.9. While covering for 461 yards, he managed to score a single touchdown.  

The Lions could try their luck in landing a deal with him. He would act as the instant upgrade over Brock Wright (and recently acquired Tyler Conklin) as Detroit’s No. 2 tight end, per Chirco. 

Acquiring a capable pass-catching TE like Engram could add another layer to the team’s already potent passing game.

Lastly, Kristian Fulton of the Kansas City Chiefs is the viable third option for the Lions. Despite having a disappointing debut with the Chiefs due to injuries. His role was limited due to an ankle injury sustained against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Before his Chiefs' tenure, Fulton had been a reliable corner for the Tennessee Titans for three years. During his stint with the Chargers, he recorded 51 combined tackles in 14 starts in 2024.

The options aren’t about filling the voids. It’s about raising the floor across the roster.

Maxx Crosby Identified as a Trade Target for the Detroit Lions

In the last season, Crosby played 935 snaps while recording 46 tackles. He appeared in 15 games for which he earned a PFF grade of 79.7. 

He remained productive throughout the season while dealing with a significant meniscus tear and associated knee bone/cartilage stress injuries.

Lions' head coach, Dan Campbell, has always had high praise for Crosby. 

“...This is a dangerous team, they have weapons 17, 16, that tight end, Jacobs, Crosby is obviously a game wrecker, so we have our hands full," Dan Campbell said. 

“He's very active. He's slithery; he can bend, explosive, quick fist steps. His motor, I mean, he just doesn't quit,” Campbell remarked. 

However, Lions' President Rod Wood has different concerns. He has acknowledged, and it is not hidden from anyone, the Lions cap crisis. 

Wood made it clear that they are not pursuing Crosby, and the fluctuation in the cap space is the main culprit. 

“Even doing that, it still would have been a difficult situation over the next two years with cash,” Rod Wood said. “So we just never were in the game for that, I’ll be honest with you.”

That profile fits what the Lions value on the edge, especially alongside Aidan Hutchinson.

The fit is clear on the field. However, the team finances are what keeping them from moving further.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Rishab Nandi