Could Myles Garrett, a star at Texas A&M, be traded to the Detroit Lions?

Could Myles Garrett, a Star at Texas A&M, Be Traded to the Detroit Lions?

Myles Garrett, a dynamic force at the defensive end position and one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers, continues to shine as a cornerstone player for the Cleveland Browns. But, in the unpredictable world of professional football, changes can happen rapidly, and the idea of Garrett being traded to another team has become a topic of conversation. One potential suitor that has garnered significant attention in recent discussions is the Detroit Lions. The Lions, a team on the rise with an emerging roster, might seem like an intriguing landing spot for a player of Garrett’s caliber.

The notion of trading one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive players is certainly eye-catching. Would it be feasible for Myles Garrett to make the switch to Detroit? What would such a trade look like, and would it benefit both Garrett and the Lions? Let’s break down these questions and consider how the situation might unfold.

Myles Garrett’s Career at Texas A&M and Rise in the NFL

Before diving into the specifics of a trade, it’s essential to understand just how much Myles Garrett has impacted both the college and professional football landscapes.

Garrett first became a household name as a standout at Texas A&M University. In his three seasons with the Aggies (2014-2016), Garrett demonstrated a rare combination of speed, size, and strength that made him a disruptive force on the edge. With 31 career sacks at Texas A&M, Garrett was widely regarded as the best defensive prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft, and he was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the first overall pick.

From the moment he entered the NFL, Garrett’s impact was undeniable. He quickly developed into one of the most feared pass rushers in the league. Standing 6’4” and weighing 272 pounds, Garrett possesses an elite combination of size, athleticism, and agility that allows him to overpower offensive tackles, close in on quarterbacks, and disrupt passing plays. He has consistently ranked among the league leaders in sacks, tackles for loss, and pressures, and he has earned numerous accolades, including three Pro Bowl selections and a First-Team All-Pro honor.

Garrett’s success in the NFL has cemented him as one of the league’s top defenders and a critical part of the Browns’ defense. He has become a cornerstone for the team and is considered one of the best edge rushers in the NFL today.

Why the Detroit Lions Would Be Interested

The Detroit Lions are a franchise on the rise, led by head coach Dan Campbell. The team has made significant strides in recent years, becoming more competitive in a tough NFC North division. The Lions have assembled a strong core of young talent on both sides of the ball, and their offense has become one of the league’s most potent units under the leadership of quarterback Jared Goff.

However, despite their offensive success, the Lions have struggled to field a consistently strong defense. In particular, the pass rush has been an area of concern. While the Lions have some promising young players like Aidan Hutchinson, who was drafted in 2022 and has quickly become a key player in Detroit’s defensive scheme, the team still lacks a consistent, dominant edge rusher who can generate pressure and disrupt opposing quarterbacks.

Myles Garrett could be exactly what the Lions need to elevate their defense to the next level. Having someone of Garrett’s caliber would provide the Lions with a true game-changer on defense. He could immediately bolster their pass rush, make their defensive line more disruptive, and help the team compete with the top offenses in the NFC. With the potential to consistently pressure quarterbacks and force turnovers, Garrett would be an ideal fit for a team looking to establish itself as a true contender in the NFC.

The addition of Garrett would complement the young talent already on the roster and help to balance out the team’s defense. Hutchinson and Garrett could form one of the most dangerous edge-rushing duos in the league, putting constant pressure on quarterbacks and creating havoc for opposing offenses.

What Would a Potential Trade Look Like?

While the possibility of trading Myles Garrett to the Detroit Lions is intriguing, it raises the question of how such a trade could actually happen. Garrett is one of the highest-paid players on the Cleveland Browns’ roster, and a trade involving him would require careful consideration from both teams, particularly with respect to finances, team needs, and the impact on future assets. Let’s explore the potential factors that would come into play in such a trade.

1. Garrett’s Contract and Salary Cap Implications

Myles Garrett is currently under contract with the Cleveland Browns through the 2027 season. Garrett signed a five-year, $125 million extension in 2021, making him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league. His annual salary is significant, and the contract includes a substantial amount of guaranteed money. This contract structure would make it challenging for any team, including the Lions, to absorb Garrett’s salary without making significant cap adjustments.

The Detroit Lions are currently in a better cap situation than many teams, with a relatively flexible salary cap and room to maneuver. However, Garrett’s contract would still require careful consideration. The Lions would need to determine if they could fit Garrett’s salary under their cap without sacrificing other important pieces. Trading for Garrett would likely require the Lions to restructure some contracts or make moves to clear cap space, but it is not outside the realm of possibility for a team with financial flexibility.

On the other hand, the Cleveland Browns would need to be willing to part with Garrett despite his contract, which could complicate negotiations. The Browns would likely be seeking significant compensation in return, potentially including multiple high-round draft picks or young players who can contribute immediately.

2. Compensation and What the Lions Could Offer

For a trade of this magnitude to happen, the Cleveland Browns would need to receive an attractive offer from the Detroit Lions. Given Garrett’s status as one of the premier pass rushers in the league, Cleveland would likely require a combination of draft picks and possibly players who can contribute immediately to their roster.

The Lions have a solid stockpile of draft picks in the coming years, including several first-round picks in the 2024 and 2025 NFL Drafts. A trade for Garrett would likely require the Lions to offer a first-round pick (or multiple picks) in addition to potentially a young player who could make an immediate impact for Cleveland. Detroit’s depth at certain positions could make them a more attractive trade partner, as the Browns would likely be looking for young talent to build around as they continue to develop their own roster.

For the Lions, parting with a first-round pick or two might seem steep, but Garrett’s immediate impact on their defense could make it worth the investment. A potential trade package could include a combination of high-round picks, such as a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and possibly a young player who is ready to contribute on defense.

3. The Fit on the Field

From a football standpoint, the fit for Myles Garrett with the Lions is nearly perfect. As mentioned, the Lions have a strong core of players on both sides of the ball, and the addition of Garrett would bolster their defense immensely. His ability to create pressure on the quarterback and disrupt offenses would complement Detroit’s growing defensive front.

With Aidan Hutchinson already in place, Garrett would be the ideal partner to form one of the best edge-rushing duos in the NFL. Hutchinson, with his speed and technique, could team up with Garrett, who has a unique blend of power and explosiveness, to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. This pairing would make the Lions’ pass rush one of the most dangerous in the league, with both players being capable of double-digit sack seasons.

Garrett’s leadership and experience would also be invaluable for the Lions’ young defensive players. He could mentor the younger members of the defensive line, helping them develop their skills and adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL.

4. The Browns’ Perspective: Why Would They Trade Garrett?

The idea of trading a player of Myles Garrett’s caliber seems far-fetched, particularly given how integral he is to the Browns’ defense. Garrett has been the centerpiece of Cleveland’s defensive efforts, and trading him would create a massive void. However, there are a few scenarios in which the Browns might consider parting with Garrett.

First, the Browns might want to move Garrett to free up cap space, particularly if they’re facing salary cap constraints in the coming seasons. Trading Garrett could help them clear significant cap space to pursue other players or make moves to improve their roster.

Second, Cleveland could look to rebuild or retool their roster, particularly if they believe they can get a strong return on Garrett in the form of draft picks and young players. If the Browns were to enter a rebuilding phase, moving Garrett could give them the assets they need to build for the future.

Lastly, injuries or a shift in defensive philosophy could factor into the Browns’ decision-making process. While this is less likely, changes in coaching staff or strategy could lead to a situation where Garrett no longer fits within Cleveland’s plans.