Following a season that started with Super Bowl aspirations but ended in disappointment, the Detroit Lions may opt to reinforce their roster instead of making major changes.
One of their biggest struggles was generating a consistent pass rush, an issue that worsened after Aidan Hutchinson suffered a fractured leg in October. Now, with Myles Garrett requesting a trade from the Cleveland Browns, an opportunity has emerged for Detroit to add one of the league’s premier edge rushers.
Detroit’s Defense in Need of Reinforcement
The Lions have made multiple attempts—through both the NFL Draft and free agency—to find a strong pass-rushing partner for Hutchinson, but those moves have yet to pay off. According to Bryan Murphy of The Sporting News, Detroit could take another shot at bolstering its defensive front, especially after showing interest in Garrett at this season’s trade deadline.
“Now, Detroit can revisit the possibility of acquiring the Cleveland superstar,” Murphy noted. “The Lions’ defense recorded only 37 sacks in 2024, ranking 23rd in the league and posting the fewest sacks among the 14 playoff teams. While Hutchinson’s injury was a major factor, the lack of depth on the defensive line became glaring in his absence.”
Murphy also pointed out that adding Garrett alongside Hutchinson could give the Lions “the most dominant pass-rushing duo in the league,” helping them address a major weakness. Defensive struggles were evident in Detroit’s divisional-round loss to the Washington Commanders, as well as in their December regular-season defeat to the Buffalo Bills.
Myles Garrett Looking for a Fresh Start
Garrett made his trade request public on Monday, releasing a statement explaining that his primary focus is winning a Super Bowl.
“As a kid dreaming of playing in the NFL, my ultimate goal was always to win a Super Bowl—that drive is stronger now than ever,” Garrett wrote. “The support of the Cleveland Browns’ fanbase and the Northeast Ohio community has meant the world to me, making this an incredibly difficult decision.
“These last eight years have shaped me into the person I am today. However, my competitive spirit and hunger to win on the biggest stage won’t allow me to settle. My career ambitions have never been about just making it from Cleveland to Canton—it’s always been about competing for a championship.”
With several teams expected to pursue Garrett, the Lions stand out as a strong contender, given their Super Bowl potential. Murphy also mentioned the Buffalo Bills as another likely landing spot, noting that both franchises have late first-round picks in the upcoming draft, which could be used in trade negotiations.
Experts believe acquiring Garrett will require multiple first-round picks, similar to the Khalil Mack trade, when the Chicago Bears gave up a significant haul to acquire him from the Oakland Raiders.
