In the wake of Myles Garrett requesting a trade from the Cleveland Browns this week, the Detroit Lions have been one of the teams most talked about as a potential landing spot for the superstar edge rusher.
But acquiring Garrett will not be easy. First things first, the Browns would have to be willing to trade him, something they reportedly aren’t keen on doing. On top of that, there will be plenty of competition for Garrett’s services on the trade market, which could create a bidding war.
As far as the former point is concerned, Garrett’s public trade request is going to make it extremely difficult for the Browns to say no. Cleveland caving in to his demand is inevitable, barring a massive change in Garrett’s feelings.
“I feel like the window for us as athletes is only so broad and only continues to close as years go by with anything being able to happen on that field from day to day,” Garrett said. “I want to be able to go out there and compete at the highest levels, day in and day out, and play for championships, like I said.”
In terms of what it would take to land Garrett, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler is hearing from people around the league that it’ll likely cost at least a pair of first-round picks, or a first-rounder and a “high-level” Day 2 pick.
“People I’ve talked to about Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett’s trade market agree that his immense talent should garner at least two quality picks in return — either two first-rounders, or a first-rounder and a high-level Day 2 pick package,” Fowler wrote.
“They also agree the list of potential suitors would be condensed due to his desire to join a contender after requesting a trade,” he added. “I’ve spoken to several teams that openly admit they will probably reach out to Cleveland, with the expectation that the Browns will say no to any offer. Cleveland has no plans to budge on its stance that Garrett won’t be moved.”
Garrett to the Lions makes sense for a few reasons. The Lions are exactly the kind of Super Bowl contender Garrett wants to join, and the six-time Pro Bowler would propel Detroit’s defense to another level and increase the team’s chances of winning a Super Bowl.
The Lions have needs along the edge. Not only do they have to add more depth, they also need a long-term solution opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Za’Darius Smith is under contract for 2025, but he’s also 32 and there’s no guarantee he’ll be back in 2026 if Detroit keeps him for this coming season.
Trading for Garrett is exactly the kind of go-for-it move the Lions need to make to load up for a Super Bowl run. Detroit has both of its first- and second-rounders in 2025 and 2026, so the draft capital is there to get it done.
Trading both of their 2025 selections would leave the team extremely short with draft capital this year, but that’s a small price to pay for a player who can greatly help Detroit accomplish its goal of winning a Super Bowl. Not to mention, the Lions already have a strong roster, so giving up picks won’t hurt all that much.
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