Following a season that started with Super Bowl aspirations but ended with a disappointing playoff elimination, the Detroit Lions are considering a more aggressive approach to improve their team. One area of concern has been the pass rush, especially after star Aidan Hutchinson suffered a fractured leg in October. The Lions may now have the opportunity to acquire one of the league’s top edge rushers—Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett. An insider has suggested that Detroit could be a strong contender for Garrett’s services, especially after reports of him requesting a trade.
The Lions have previously tried to find a reliable partner for Hutchinson through both free agency and the NFL Draft, but their efforts have not yielded results. Bryan Murphy of The Sporting News pointed out that the Lions should consider pursuing Garrett, as they were linked to the NFL Defensive Player of the Year at the trade deadline this season. Detroit’s defense only registered 37 sacks in 2024, ranking 23rd in the league, and their struggles on defense were evident during their divisional-round loss to the Washington Commanders and in a regular-season defeat to the Buffalo Bills. Adding Garrett to the mix could give Detroit the league’s most formidable pass-rushing duo alongside Hutchinson, helping address one of their primary weaknesses.
Garrett made his trade request public, expressing a strong desire to join a team that can compete for a Super Bowl. In a heartfelt statement, Garrett acknowledged his love for Cleveland and its fans but emphasized that his ultimate goal is to win a championship. He stated, “The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.”
Although there will be significant competition for Garrett, the Lions are considered one of the top teams with a real shot at a Super Bowl. The Buffalo Bills are also a potential destination for him, with both teams possessing late first-round picks to offer in a trade. To acquire Garrett, it’s likely that a package of multiple first-round picks will be required, similar to the deal the Chicago Bears made for Khalil Mack when they traded for him from the Oakland Raiders.
