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The Detroit Lions’ season ended earlier than expected, missing the playoffs for the first time in two years and closing the door on what many believed was a legitimate championship window. A year defined by injuries, inconsistent defensive play and instability among the coaching staff ultimately left Detroit on the outside looking in. Expectations were high entering the season, which only magnified the disappointment of how it finished.
With the calendar turning toward the offseason, attention now shifts to how the Lions can quickly reestablish themselves as contenders. The foundation of the roster remains strong, but significant changes may be required to correct the flaws that surfaced throughout the year. If Detroit wants to rebound immediately, three bold moves stand out as potential game-changers.
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Trade for Maxx Crosby
The ultimate wish for many Lions fans would be bringing Maxx Crosby home to Michigan. A native of the state and a former standout at Eastern Michigan University, Crosby has developed into one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers since being selected by the Oakland Raiders in the 2019 draft. He has recorded double-digit sacks four times in his career, including a dominant 2023 season in which he posted 14.5 sacks, 23 tackles for loss and 31 quarterback hits.
Crosby has publicly stated in the past that the Lions would be the only team he would consider playing for outside of the Raiders. That sentiment, combined with recent tension surrounding his late-season absence, has fueled speculation about his long-term future in Las Vegas. While any potential trade remains hypothetical, the appeal for Detroit is obvious.
Pairing Crosby with Aidan Hutchinson would give the Lions arguably the most intimidating edge-rushing duo in the NFL. Offenses would be forced to pick their poison, as double-teaming one star would leave the other isolated. The cost, however, would be steep. Acquiring Crosby would likely require multiple first-round picks and additional assets, especially in a market where elite pass rushers command premium returns. Still, for a defense that struggled to consistently pressure quarterbacks, this is the type of swing that could transform the unit overnight.
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Hire Mike McDaniel as Offensive Coordinator
Offensive inconsistency was another issue that plagued Detroit throughout the season. The Lions struggled to find rhythm after changes at offensive coordinator, eventually leading to John Morton being relieved of play-calling duties in Week 10, with coach Dan Campbell stepping in to stabilize the offense. While Campbell’s leadership helped steady the ship, the long-term answer at coordinator remains unresolved.
One intriguing option would be Mike McDaniel. Though he is currently the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, speculation around his future has created a theoretical opening. McDaniel’s offensive reputation was cemented during his time as the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive coordinator in 2021, when he helped guide the team to a division title and maximized the abilities of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
That season, San Francisco finished eighth in total offense and ranked among the league leaders in scoring, despite lacking elite skill-position talent. McDaniel’s scheme emphasized creativity, motion and efficiency — traits that could thrive with Detroit’s roster. The Lions boast one of the NFL’s most dynamic collections of playmakers in Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta. With the right system, Detroit’s offense could regain its explosiveness and consistency.
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Sign Trey Hendrickson
If a blockbuster trade proves unrealistic, free agency offers another path to fixing the pass rush. Trey Hendrickson is expected to be one of the most coveted defensive players available after injuries cut his season short in Week 8. Prior to this year, Hendrickson recorded 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons and has posted at least 13.5 sacks in four of the past six years.
While Hendrickson would command a significant contract, he would not require the Lions to surrender draft capital. His proven production and relentless motor would immediately bolster Detroit’s defensive front and take pressure off Hutchinson. Even coming off injury, Hendrickson represents a lower-risk alternative to a major trade while still addressing Detroit’s most glaring weakness.
The Lions’ path back to contention will not be simple, but the solutions are clear. Improving the pass rush and stabilizing the offense are essential steps toward reclaiming their place among the NFC’s elite. Whether through bold trades, strategic hires or aggressive free-agent signings, this offseason may define the next chapter of Detroit’s rise.
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