The Detroit Lions fell short of their Super Bowl aspirations in 2024, and now they are focused on making bold moves during the 2025 offseason to position themselves for success. One of the areas the team needs to address is the edge rusher position. While Aidan Hutchinson will return from injury, the depth behind him is a concern. Za’Darius Smith is under contract but is 32 years old and will become a free agent in 2026. This leaves the Lions in need of both depth and a long-term partner for Hutchinson.
A potential solution to this need could be a blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett, the superstar edge rusher who recently requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns. Garrett, a six-time All-Pro, made it clear in his statement that his desire to win and compete for a Super Bowl has led him to seek a change of teams. While he has enjoyed his time in Cleveland, his main goal has always been to compete at the highest level, and that led to his decision to request a trade.
Following Garrett’s trade demand, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox proposed that the Lions should target the elite pass rusher. With the Lions positioned as a serious Super Bowl contender, acquiring Garrett would be an ideal move. He could form a formidable pass-rushing duo with Hutchinson, solidifying a key area of weakness for Detroit and potentially boosting their championship hopes.
Knox emphasized that Garrett would be a perfect fit for a team like the Lions, who are on the verge of competing for a Super Bowl. Detroit, coming off consecutive playoff appearances, needs a high-level pass rusher to complement Hutchinson. Acquiring Garrett would not only fill that need but also elevate the defense to a new level of excellence, making the Lions even more dangerous in the postseason.
Garrett’s addition to the Lions would significantly strengthen their defense, allowing them to compete with the league’s best teams. While a trade for a player of Garrett’s caliber would come at a high price, it would be well worth it for Detroit. The Lions would likely need to give up at least one first-round pick, but acquiring a game-changing pass rusher could be the final piece they need to make a Super Bowl run.
Garrett is under contract for two more years on his $125 million deal, which would keep him with the Lions at least through 2027. With Detroit having a healthy salary cap, general manager Brad Holmes would have the flexibility to keep Garrett in Detroit for an extended period beyond his current contract, securing him as a key part of their defense for the long term.
Adding Garrett would be a game-changing move for the Lions, giving them the kind of dominant defensive front that helped teams like the Philadelphia Eagles win a Super Bowl. By pairing Garrett with Hutchinson, the Lions would have one of the league’s most fearsome pass-rush duos, making their defense one of the top units in the NFL. This could set the stage for the team to take the next step toward championship glory.
In summary, the Lions should pursue a trade for Myles Garrett to bolster their defense and increase their Super Bowl chances. Garrett’s desire to compete for a title aligns perfectly with Detroit’s aspirations, and his addition could provide the missing piece to make their defense elite. With the salary cap space and the draft assets necessary to make the trade, the Lions have the opportunity to secure one of the league’s top pass rushers and solidify their place as a Super Bowl contender.
