The Detroit Lions have a pressing need on the defensive line after season-ending injuries to a pair of starters on the edge.
With both Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport sidelined for the rest of the season, Detroit is viewed as a team that could make a big move to add talent before the November 5 trade deadline.
With the Lions viewed as Super Bowl contenders, there are a number of big names linked to potential trades. While the blockbuster move will come at the expense of general manager Brad Holmes, it could make a difference for the team’s championship hopes.
While Eastern Michigan product Maxx Crosby is viewed as a popular name attached to the team, there are other options Detroit could consider as well. One of those names is Cleveland’s Myles Garrett, one of the best defensive players in the NFL.
A three-time All-Pro and Defensive Player of the Year honors last year, Garrett’s reputation precedes him. So far this season, he has four sacks and seven tackles for loss. The first overall pick in the 2017 draft, he has posted double-digit sacks in each of the past six seasons.
Lately, the Browns have been mired in struggle. They started 1-6 and lost starting quarterback Deshaun Watson for the season to a torn Achilles tendon on Sunday. As a result, a rebuilding process can be underway.
Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated’s chief NFL reporter, reported Monday that teams have reached out regarding Garrett’s trade situation. He is under contract through 2026 and carries a cap hit of $19,722,120 in 2025 and $20,374,120 in 2026.
Given Garrett has two years of control over the team and the value of his position in the NFL today, a trade of this size would require the Lions to give up significant draft capital.
There are multiple elements to consider. Taking Garrett’s contract would limit the Lions’ ability to hand out extensions to deserving players. Notably, the 2022 draft class headed by Hutchinson, Jameson Williams and Kirby Joseph is eligible for an extension after this season.
After next season, the likes of Jahmir Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Sam Laporta and Brian Branch are set to receive new contracts as well. According to OverTheCap.com, the Lions have just over $70 million in cap space in 2025 and $25 million in cap space in 2026 due to extensions already signed with Jared Goff, Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Aleem McNeil among others.
While there are actions that can be taken in terms of restructuring to realign that cap money, acquiring Garrett will come at a cost. The Lions have also been one of the best teams in the league in the draft since Holmes took over, and parting with draft capital could be difficult.
However, the team is also in the Super Bowl window. Although they appear poised for success for years to come, windows like this are often fleeting in the NFL. As a result, there is a feeling of pressure to make the most of the current opportunity.
Acquiring Garrett would go a long way toward putting the Lions ahead and giving them their best chance to win with their two top defenders sidelined. The demand would likely require multiple first-round picks, but the risk could be worth the reward if Garrett can bring his production and help the Lions reach the top of the NFL mountain.