A Rare Opportunity or an Unnecessary Gamble?

Cleveland Browns star pass rusher Myles Garrett has officially requested a trade, sending shockwaves through the NFL. With a resume that includes multiple All-Pro selections and a Defensive Player of the Year award, Garrett is a game-changer. Now, the question arises: should the Detroit Lions make a bold move to acquire him?

On paper, the Lions seem like an ideal landing spot. They are on the cusp of Super Bowl contention, and a dominant edge rusher alongside Aidan Hutchinson could push them over the top. However, making such a blockbuster trade comes with significant risks. Let’s analyze whether Detroit should seriously consider making a move for Garrett.

Will Myles Garrett Actually Be Traded?

Garrett’s trade request has sparked speculation, but that doesn’t mean the Browns will let him go easily. General Manager Andrew Berry has maintained that Cleveland is not entertaining trade offers, a stance that remains unchanged even after Garrett’s public request.

That said, history shows that when a superstar player wants out, they often get their wish—eventually. The Browns could view this as an opportunity to reset their roster by acquiring valuable draft picks and cap flexibility, similar to how the Lions dealt Matthew Stafford in 2021.

If Cleveland stands firm, Garrett may be forced to back down. But if tensions escalate, the Browns might explore trade options to avoid a prolonged standoff.

What Would It Cost the Lions to Trade for Garrett?

There’s no clear blueprint for trading a player of Garrett’s caliber, but history provides some clues. The closest comparison is Khalil Mack’s 2018 trade from the Raiders to the Bears, which required two first-round picks, a third-rounder, and a sixth-rounder.

However, Garrett is in a slightly different situation. At 29 years old, he has two years remaining on his contract, making him a more immediate impact player but a shorter-term investment. While the Browns might not fetch as much as the Raiders did for Mack, acquiring Garrett would still require a massive haul—likely at least two first-round picks and additional assets.

Contract Considerations

The financial aspect of acquiring Garrett cannot be ignored. His current contract carries cap hits of $20 million in 2025 and $25 million in 2026, ranking among the top 10 highest-paid defensive ends.

More importantly, would Garrett demand an extension upon arrival? If he seeks a new contract in the range of $35 million per year—comparable to Nick Bosa’s recent deal—the Lions would need to carefully assess their financial flexibility. With key players like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Penei Sewell due for extensions, Detroit must weigh whether committing to Garrett aligns with their long-term plans.

Why the Lions May Actually Do This

Detroit is tantalizingly close to a Super Bowl run, and Garrett could be the missing piece. Injuries derailed their defense last season, and pairing Garrett with Hutchinson would instantly give them one of the most feared defensive fronts in the league.

While General Manager Brad Holmes has been conservative with blockbuster trades, he has shown a willingness to make aggressive moves when necessary. His acquisitions of Carlton Davis and Za’Darius Smith indicate that he isn’t afraid to pay a premium for top defensive talent.

Adding Garrett would signal that Detroit is fully committed to winning now, potentially adopting a more aggressive roster-building approach, akin to the “Eff Them Picks” strategy used by Rams GM Les Snead.

Why the Lions Probably Won’t

Despite the allure of Garrett, Detroit has built its roster through smart drafting and financial discipline. Holmes has repeatedly emphasized the importance of sustained success over short-term gambles. Trading away multiple first-round picks could jeopardize the Lions’ ability to remain competitive in the long run.

Detroit has already committed significant financial resources to its young core. Players like Hutchinson, Kerby Joseph, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Brian Branch will soon require extensions. Adding Garrett’s contract could strain their ability to keep these homegrown stars.

Moreover, the Lions have historically rejected the notion of being “one player away.” Head coach Dan Campbell has cautioned against that mindset, stating:

“I think you’ve got to be careful with the ‘one player away.’ I don’t think that exists necessarily. Now, can it help, and can it balance things out everywhere else? Absolutely, it can. But you do the ‘one player away’ and then all of a sudden, the one player away got hurt and you’re like, ‘Oh, well, shoot.’”

This philosophy suggests Detroit is unlikely to mortgage its future for Garrett, especially given the unpredictability of injuries and roster depth.

Conclusion: A Tempting But Risky Move

While acquiring Myles Garrett would immediately boost Detroit’s Super Bowl hopes, the cost—both in draft capital and salary cap impact—makes it a difficult decision. Holmes has built the Lions with a long-term vision, and deviating from that strategy could have consequences.

A move for Garrett isn’t impossible, but it would require a fundamental shift in the Lions’ roster-building philosophy. Unless Holmes is willing to take that leap, Detroit is more likely to sit this one out and continue building through the draft.

That may not be the most exciting answer for fans eager for a championship, but in the long run, it could be the smarter play.