Could Myles Garrett Join Aidan Hutchinson in Detroit?

After a season filled with Super Bowl aspirations ended in disappointment, the Detroit Lions are poised to strengthen their roster. One area that demands urgent attention is the pass rush, and a potential game-changing opportunity has emerged. Following Myles Garrett’s trade request, the Lions have been identified as a prime landing spot for the Cleveland Browns’ superstar edge rusher.

Lions Eyeing a Defensive Powerhouse

The Lions have struggled to find a reliable pass-rushing partner for Aidan Hutchinson, despite multiple attempts through free agency and the draft. Bryan Murphy of The Sporting News believes Detroit should seize the opportunity to acquire Garrett, who was reportedly on their radar at the trade deadline last season.

“Now, Detroit can circle back on the Cleveland superstar,” Murphy noted. “The Lions’ defense accounted for just 37 sacks in 2024, ranking 23rd in the league and registered the lowest total among the 14 clubs that made the postseason. Much of that had to do with Hutchinson’s injury, but the lack of depth at that position was exploited with the young talent sidelined.”

Adding Garrett to a defensive line already featuring Hutchinson and Alim McNeill would give the Lions one of the most feared pass-rushing units in the league. Their inability to generate pressure played a key role in their playoff defeat to Washington, and acquiring Garrett could be the missing piece to a Super Bowl-caliber defense.

Myles Garrett’s Bold Trade Request

Garrett’s decision to publicly request a trade is rare for a player of his caliber. In his statement, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year made it clear that his priority is competing for a championship.

“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 wrote. “While I’ve loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won’t allow me to be complacent.”

This statement sends a clear message: Garrett wants to win now. The Lions, fresh off a deep playoff run, offer an enticing opportunity for him to join a legitimate contender.

What Would It Take to Land Garrett?

Trading for a player of Garrett’s caliber won’t come cheap. Historical comparisons suggest that the Browns will demand a massive haul in return. When the Chicago Bears acquired Khalil Mack from the then-Oakland Raiders in 2018, they surrendered two first-round picks along with additional assets. A similar price tag is expected for Garrett.

Both the Lions and Buffalo Bills have been named as potential suitors, with each team holding late first-round picks. Given Detroit’s aggressive approach under general manager Brad Holmes, they could be willing to make a bold move to acquire the league’s premier pass rusher.

Final Thoughts: A Move That Could Define the Lions’ Future

The Lions are closer than ever to true championship contention. Adding Garrett would provide them with a dominant defensive front capable of taking down elite quarterbacks in the NFC. While the cost will be steep, the potential rewards could be even greater. If Detroit is serious about hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, making a play for Myles Garrett might be the defining move of the offseason.