By Sunday 
Weighing the Costs and Benefits of a Blockbuster Move
The Detroit Lions have been searching for a dominant pass rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson. Despite efforts through the draft and free agency, they haven’t quite found the right piece.
Now, with Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett reportedly available via trade, Detroit is seen as a potential landing spot. But not everyone thinks this move is a no-brainer. Legendary NFL executive Bill Polian has issued a strong warning about the risks the Lions would face in acquiring the former Defensive Player of the Year.
A Heavy Price to Pay
Polian, a six-time NFL Executive of the Year, believes Detroit could mortgage its future by giving up multiple first-round picks for Garrett. In an interview with the Detroit Free Press, he cautioned against parting with valuable draft assets.
“Teams that draft well are not anxious to part with their picks, because they have a way of turning those picks into quality players,” Polian said.
The Lions have built their current Super Bowl-caliber roster largely through successful draft selections. Trading away future picks for Garrett could disrupt that long-term stability. While Garrett is a proven game-changer, Polian emphasized that no single player guarantees a championship.
“But you’re never one player away,” he added.
Can the Lions Afford to Wait?
The Lions’ pass rush struggled significantly after Hutchinson suffered a season-ending leg injury last season. No other player on the team matched his production, leaving Detroit’s defense vulnerable.
Given their need for another elite edge rusher, the Lions must decide whether to address the issue through a blockbuster trade or the draft. Some analysts believe they should take a more patient approach.
Christian Booher of Sports Illustrated suggested that Detroit could use the No. 28 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select Georgia’s Mykel Williams. While Williams isn’t a fully developed NFL prospect, his physical tools and upside make him an intriguing option.
“Williams’ sack production at the collegiate level was modest, as he had 14 total sacks across three seasons with the Bulldogs. However, his physicality and athleticism seem to be able to translate to production at the next level,” Booher wrote.
At just 20 years old, Williams has room to grow. Detroit could be the perfect place for him to develop into a top-tier pass rusher.
The Big Decision Ahead
Trading for Myles Garrett would give the Lions an instant impact player, but it could also jeopardize their long-term success. Bill Polian’s warning serves as a reminder that aggressive moves don’t always lead to championships.
With Detroit already a playoff-caliber team, they must carefully weigh their options. Is an all-in move for Garrett worth the cost, or should they trust their draft strategy and build for sustained success? The answer could define the Lions’ future.