Lions Named Leading Contender for $125 Million Star
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett responded to the “Cleveland sucks” chant during Week 14 at Acrisure Stadium.
After a season that began with Super Bowl aspirations but ended with a disappointing playoff exit, the Detroit Lions may choose to reload instead of just retooling.
The Lions faced difficulty in establishing a reliable pass rush, especially after star Aidan Hutchinson suffered a fractured leg in October. Now, they might have an opportunity to secure one of the league’s top edge rushers, with an insider identifying Detroit as a top contender for Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett after his trade request.
Lions Could Add Support for Aidan Hutchinson
The Lions have made attempts through free agency and the draft to find a solid partner for Hutchinson, only to see those efforts fall short. Bryan Murphy of The Sporting News believes Detroit may try again by pursuing Garrett, especially since they were linked to the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year at this season’s trade deadline.
“Now, Detroit can revisit the idea of acquiring the Cleveland superstar,” Murphy noted. “The Lions’ defense totaled just 37 sacks in 2024, ranking 23rd in the league and the lowest among the 14 playoff teams. While Hutchinson’s injury played a role, the lack of depth at this position became evident with the young star sidelined.”
Murphy added that the Lions could form “the most dominant pass-rushing duo in the league” with Hutchinson and Garrett, addressing one of their major weaknesses. Detroit struggled defensively in their divisional-round loss to the Washington Commanders, much like they did in their regular-season defeat to the Buffalo Bills in December.
Myles Garrett Eager to Leave Cleveland
Garrett made his trade request public, issuing a statement on Monday expressing his desire to move to a team where he can win a Super Bowl.
“As a kid dreaming of the NFL, all I focused on was the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl — and that goal fuels me today more than ever,” Garrett wrote. “My love for the community of Northeast Ohio and the incredible fanbase of the Cleveland Browns has made this one of the toughest decisions of my life. These past eight years have shaped me into the man I am today.”
“While I’ve loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won’t allow me to be complacent. The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton; it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.”
Though there will be intense competition for Garrett, the Lions are among the teams closest to Super Bowl contention. Murphy speculated that the Bills could also be a strong option, and both teams have similar assets to offer, including late first-round picks this year.
Insiders believe it could take multiple first-round picks to secure Garrett, similar to the price the Chicago Bears paid when they traded for Khalil Mack from the Oakland Raiders.
Nathan Dougherty is a sports reporter for Heavy.com, specializing in the NFL, particularly the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, and Miami Dolphins. He has also written for the Rochester Business Journal and was the assistant editor for Coaching Management, Athletic Management, and Training & Conditioning. He is based in Rochester, New York, and has a passion for football.
