The Detroit Lions have shown interest in Myles Garrett, the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, but it remains unlikely they will trade for him. Lions general manager Brad Holmes confirmed this week at the NFL Combine that they are not actively pursuing a trade. Despite this, it’s not surprising that Detroit made an inquiry, as they have often been involved in big-name player discussions.
The Lions’ decision to stay out of the Garrett trade talk has never been the best option, and this week’s developments added a new layer of intrigue. The Cleveland Browns are looking to extend Garrett’s contract, but he has expressed no interest in signing a new deal. This further indicates his desire to leave, as his request for a trade appears to be driven more by his discontent with the team’s lack of Super Bowl contention rather than financial gain.
If Garrett pushes for a trade or if the Browns finally decide to move him, it’s expected they would prefer to send him to an NFC team, potentially opening the door for the Lions to get more involved. However, recent developments suggest another team could be the frontrunner for his services.
On a recent edition of The Scoop City podcast, Dianna Russini from The Athletic mentioned that the Philadelphia Eagles could be a strong suitor for Garrett. According to Russini, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman might be looking to make a bold move and Garrett could fit that mold, similar to how the team went after Saquon Barkley last year.
Garrett would be a significant addition to an already dominant Eagles defense, potentially making them even more fearsome. The Eagles, who are coming off a Super Bowl appearance, are not afraid to make big moves, and adding Garrett would be another example of that strategy, according to an NFL GM who spoke to Russini.
While a move for Garrett would likely mean letting some key free agents like Josh Sweat and Milton Williams go, Roseman is known for making bold decisions that often pay off. The Eagles have the resources and the willingness to go all-in on Garrett, despite the risks involved.
For the Lions, this development could be a nightmare scenario. Holmes has said the Lions aren’t currently in a “Super Bowl window,” but they have still been competitive, coming off two straight playoff appearances. Adding Garrett to the Eagles would make them even more formidable in the NFC, and Detroit would lose out on one of the best defenders in the league while facing an even tougher opponent in the Eagles.
Overall, if Garrett were to join the Eagles, it would solidify their position as the top contender in the NFC, and the Lions would have to contend with an even stronger division rival, complicating their playoff aspirations. This makes the Eagles a far more dangerous destination for Garrett than Detroit, further emphasizing the challenges the Lions would face in trying to keep their championship hopes alive.
