With the core group of this roster under longterm deals, maybe it does make sense to start trading off future high draft picks for pieces that can get them to the top. The Rams had huge success with this plan while Brad was with them and they were contending for titles. The Lions are in a much better position than they were at the same stage regarding key players locked up for many years.
Trade the 1sts and 2nds and start using later round picks to add depth and of course hit big on some future studs like they’ve always been able to do. Let free agency be an area where they let players go and turn them into future 3rd and 4th round compensatory picks instead of trying to sign big name FA that they won’t be able to afford.
I guess what I’m saying is maybe it does make more sense to give up two future ones for Maxx Crosby and resign him as part of the core.