The Detroit Lions could consider trading for Texas A&M star Myles Garrett, bolstering their defense with his elite talent.
The Detroit Lions have undergone significant changes in recent years, as the franchise works tirelessly to rebuild and return to playoff contention. While they’ve made strides in improving both sides of the ball, there’s still work to be done to solidify their place as an elite team in the NFL. One area that has been a focal point of Detroit’s rebuilding efforts is their defense. The Lions have long struggled to compete with the more dominant offenses in the NFC, but as the team continues to add talent, they are in a position to become a more competitive force on that side of the ball.
One name that has repeatedly surfaced in NFL discussions for his immense talent and playmaking ability is Myles Garrett, the star pass rusher from Texas A&M who currently plays for the Cleveland Browns. Garrett is widely considered one of the most dominant defensive players in the league, and his ability to disrupt offenses could make him a valuable asset to any team. For the Lions, acquiring Garrett would undoubtedly be a game-changer, and they could be in a position to pursue such a move through a trade.
This article will examine whether the Detroit Lions could realistically make a trade for Myles Garrett, the potential benefits of adding him to their defense, the challenges of acquiring such a high-profile player, and how his presence would impact the team moving forward.
The Need for a Game-Changing Pass Rusher in Detroit
To understand why the Lions might pursue Myles Garrett in a trade, it’s essential to evaluate their current defense and the specific area where they need the most help: pass rush. While Detroit has invested heavily in improving their defense, they’ve struggled to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Lions’ defense ranked near the bottom of the league in sacks over the last few seasons, with an inability to disrupt the quarterback hindering their ability to force turnovers and get off the field on third downs.
In a division that features talented quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers and Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings, the Lions need to find ways to pressure the quarterback and disrupt opposing passing games. Additionally, with the NFL becoming more and more pass-heavy, having a dominant edge rusher is crucial for any team’s success.
Myles Garrett, who has consistently been one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL since entering the league in 2017, would provide an immediate upgrade to Detroit’s pass rush. His ability to get to the quarterback, disrupt plays in the backfield, and make game-changing plays could be the catalyst that transforms the Lions’ defense into a formidable unit. Garrett has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and has been named an All-Pro multiple times, cementing his reputation as one of the top defensive players in the league.
Garrett’s Impact on the Lions’ Defense
Myles Garrett’s addition to the Detroit Lions’ defense would have a profound impact on the team’s overall performance. Not only would he provide the team with a consistent and dominant pass-rushing presence, but his presence on the field would also open up opportunities for the rest of the defensive line and linebackers to make plays.
1. Creating a Fearsome Front Four
One of the first areas where Garrett would make an immediate impact is in Detroit’s defensive line. Over the years, the Lions have invested in pass rushers and interior defenders, but they still lack a true game-changer off the edge. Garrett’s ability to win one-on-one matchups with offensive tackles would create havoc in opposing backfields, forcing quarterbacks to make hurried decisions and potentially leading to more turnovers.
The Lions currently have players like Trey Flowers and Romeo Okwara on their defensive line, both of whom have shown flashes of potential. However, neither player has been able to consistently provide the same level of production that Garrett brings. With Garrett lining up opposite Flowers or Okwara, the Lions would be able to create a more formidable pass rush and force opposing quarterbacks to deal with constant pressure.
2. Opening Up the Blitzing Game
With Garrett commanding attention from opposing offensive linemen, the Lions’ defensive coordinator would have the ability to be more creative with his blitzing schemes. Garrett’s ability to collapse the pocket and create disruption would allow the Lions to send extra pressure from the linebackers or secondary, creating a more aggressive and unpredictable defense.
Having Garrett on the field would force offenses to account for his presence at all times, opening up opportunities for other players to make an impact. If offensive lines double-team Garrett, it would free up other players to get to the quarterback, and Detroit could take advantage of this with well-timed blitzes. The combination of Garrett’s individual production and the opportunity for others to step up would make the Lions’ defense significantly more dynamic and dangerous.
3. Increased Takeaways and Defensive Scoring Opportunities
Garrett’s ability to sack the quarterback and force fumbles would directly lead to more turnovers for the Lions. For a defense that has struggled to generate takeaways, Garrett’s presence would significantly increase the likelihood of creating turnovers that can turn the momentum of a game.
Moreover, Garrett’s knack for making splash plays would also increase the likelihood of defensive touchdowns. Whether it’s stripping the ball from the quarterback and returning it for a score or batting down a pass at the line of scrimmage and creating an interception opportunity, Garrett’s playmaking ability would add another dimension to Detroit’s defense.
Can the Detroit Lions Afford Myles Garrett?
While the addition of Myles Garrett would undoubtedly make the Lions’ defense more formidable, the financial realities of trading for a star player like Garrett cannot be overlooked. Garrett is currently in the midst of a lucrative contract extension with the Cleveland Browns, and his cap hit is significant. As of the 2025 season, Garrett’s cap hit is projected to be over $25 million annually, which is a substantial investment for any team.
For the Detroit Lions, who are working to build a competitive roster while also managing their cap space, the question of whether they can afford Garrett becomes a major consideration. The Lions would need to carefully assess their current salary cap situation and determine whether they can fit Garrett’s contract into their financial plans. Additionally, the Lions would likely need to trade valuable assets in order to land Garrett, which could include multiple high draft picks and possibly established players.
However, if the Lions believe that Garrett is the final piece they need to make a deep playoff run, they may be willing to take on his contract and sacrifice some future draft capital in order to secure his services. The aggressive approach to rebuilding the roster would likely lead them to explore this possibility, but they would need to be strategic in how they manage their cap space moving forward.
What Would a Trade Package Look Like?
Given Garrett’s immense talent and the impact he would have on the Lions’ defense, it’s likely that the Cleveland Browns would demand a significant return in exchange for the star pass rusher. The trade package for a player of Garrett’s caliber would likely involve multiple high draft picks, potentially including a first-round pick, as well as players who can contribute to the Browns’ roster immediately.
The Lions would likely have to part with several key assets to make a trade for Garrett. Some possible trade pieces that Detroit could offer include:
- 2025 First-Round Draft Pick: As a cornerstone of their future, Detroit would likely need to offer their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft as part of the trade package. This pick would be valuable to Cleveland as they continue to build their roster for the future.
- Defensive Players: The Lions could also offer players currently on their roster who could help the Browns immediately. Players like Trey Flowers or Romeo Okwara, both of whom have shown potential as edge rushers, could be appealing to Cleveland as part of a larger trade package.
- Additional Draft Capital: In addition to a first-round pick, the Lions could offer additional mid-round draft picks, possibly in the second or third rounds, to make the deal more appealing to the Browns.
For the Lions, the trade would have to be carefully weighed against the potential long-term costs. While Garrett would provide an immediate boost, the loss of multiple high draft picks and key players could create future holes in the roster that the team would need to address.
The Long-Term Impact on the Detroit Lions
Adding Myles Garrett would immediately elevate the Lions’ defense and make them a much more competitive team in the NFC. However, the long-term impact would depend on how well the rest of the roster continues to develop. While Garrett would be a star addition, the Lions would need to continue to build their offensive and defensive lines, strengthen their secondary, and develop young talent at various positions.
Additionally, the Lions would need to ensure they can manage Garrett’s contract and fit him into their long-term salary cap structure. This would require careful planning and smart moves in future free-agent markets to avoid putting themselves in a financially unsustainable situation.
