By Blessing 
Lions Emerge as Top Trade Destination for Myles Garrett Amid Browns Fallout
Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett found himself in the spotlight at Acrisure Stadium during Week 14 after fans erupted with chants of “Cleveland sucks.” Now, with Detroit Lions potentially retooling their defense after a disappointing playoff exit, Garrett might be part of their future plans.
After starting the year with Super Bowl aspirations, the Lions’ season concluded in frustration, partly due to their struggles on defense. The injury to standout edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson in October, when he fractured his leg, severely weakened their pass rush. The team managed just 37 sacks in 2024, ranking 23rd in the league and recording the fewest among all postseason teams.
According to Bryan Murphy from The Sporting News, Detroit could be a top contender to land Garrett following his trade request. “Now, Detroit can circle back on the Cleveland superstar,” Murphy noted, adding that the Lions’ defense faced major challenges without Hutchinson and lacked depth at the position.
Murphy also suggested that pairing Garrett with Hutchinson could form “the most dominant pass-rushing duo in the league.” This kind of firepower on defense could address one of the Lions’ biggest weaknesses, especially after their struggles against the Washington Commanders in the divisional round and a late-season loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Myles Garrett’s Trade Request Goes Public
Garrett’s decision to request a trade wasn’t taken lightly. In an emotional statement released on Monday, he expressed gratitude to Cleveland while making it clear he wants to play for a Super Bowl contender.
“As a kid dreaming of the NFL, all I focused on was the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl — and that goal fuels me today more than ever,” Garrett shared. “My love for the community of Northeast Ohio and the incredible fanbase of the Cleveland Browns has made this one of the toughest decisions of my life. These past eight years have shaped me into the man that I am today.”
Garrett emphasized that while Cleveland had been a home to him, his competitive spirit wouldn’t allow him to settle. “The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton; it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl,” he added.
Competition for Garrett Expected to Be Fierce
The Lions may face stiff competition in their pursuit of Garrett. Bryan Murphy suggested that the Buffalo Bills could also be in the mix, as both teams have similar trade assets, including late first-round picks this year.
Given Garrett’s elite status as one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers, insiders believe it could take multiple first-round picks to acquire him — a price comparable to what the Chicago Bears paid for Khalil Mack when they traded for him from the then-Oakland Raiders.
As the Lions look to build on their playoff run and address glaring defensive issues, acquiring Garrett could be the move that turns their defensive front into a powerhouse. For now, Detroit fans will watch closely as trade talks develop, hoping for a deal that brings Garrett roaring into Ford Field.