One of the most intriguing narratives unfolding in the NFL this offseason is the Myles Garrett trade saga. Just ahead of the Super Bowl, Garrett sent shockwaves through the league by announcing his desire for a trade from the Cleveland Browns through social media. As the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, his request has put the spotlight squarely on a franchise that has long relied on his game-changing abilities.
Since that announcement, the situation has continued to evolve. Reports indicate that Garrett isn’t looking to sign an extension in Cleveland, which only amplifies the drama. However, the Browns have made their position clear: they are not interested in trading their star pass rusher. At the NFL Combine, General Manager Andrew Berry reiterated that their “stance on the situation has not changed.”
This creates a fascinating tug-of-war in Cleveland. Will Garrett ultimately get his wish, or will he show up next season in a Browns uniform, at least for now? The coming months are sure to be full of drama as both sides push their agendas.
In the midst of this power struggle, some analysts are speculating that Garrett could find himself with a new team sooner rather than later. Seth Trachtman of YardBarker predicts that his trade request will be granted, specifically pointing to the Detroit Lions as a potential landing spot for the perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate. With the Lions eager to capitalize on their current Super Bowl window, adding Garrett opposite rising star Aidan Hutchinson could prove to be a game-changer.
Imagine the havoc the duo could wreak on opposing offenses: Hutchinson, who already made a name for himself last season with 8 sacks and 45 QB pressures in just five games, teaming up with Garrett could turn opposing quarterbacks’ lives into a nightmare. Time in the pocket could shrink dramatically, leaving signal-callers with barely two seconds to react before chaos ensues.
But is a trade for Garrett actually feasible for the Lions? While they certainly have the draft capital to make a deal happen, the risk is considerable. Garrett is likely to command a hefty price, possibly two first-round picks and more. The Lions’ front office, led by Brad Holmes, hasn’t been known for blockbuster trades that drain their future draft resources. While they might be tempted to change their strategy, it would be a substantial departure from their recent history.
Financial considerations also come into play. Garrett is set to hit free agency after the 2026 season, and given that he’ll be 31 years old, expecting a sizable new contract is reasonable. The Lions already have significant contracts on the books for players like Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown, and with extensions for Hutchinson and Jahmyr Gibbs on the horizon, fitting Garrett’s salary into their cap plan could prove to be a significant hurdle.
Additionally, the idea of acquiring Garrett could amount to a two-year rental. The Lions are clearly focused on maximizing their Super Bowl window, and while going all out might seem like music to fans’ ears, the question remains: is mortgaging the future worth it for a player of Garrett’s caliber?
At the end of the day, negotiating a deal for Garrett makes sense for the Lions. Their offense is already in a good place, and elevating their defense to a level that rivals some of the greats—think modern-day Legion of Boom—could be the transition they need to get their hands on that elusive Lombardi Trophy. In a league that rewards teams for seizing the moment, the Lions have a golden opportunity to bolster their roster.
