The Detroit Lions were never at the forefront of the trade talks for Maxx Crosby, but they remained in the background as possible suitors since reports of interest in a transaction first emerged during the NFL combine.
According to insiders such as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, any Crosby trade conversations are unlikely to pick up until draft time, preseason, or perhaps the mid-season deadline.
However, current developments involving the Cleveland Browns, edge-rusher Myles Garrett, and some odd amendments to his contract language on Wednesday, March 25 indicate good news for any contender seeking to make a Super Bowl run via trade for the two-time and defending Defensive Player of the Year.
Given the Lions’ proximity to a title in the last three seasons, as well as their persistent need on the edge of defense, Detroit should be considered a possible contender.
Browns Salary Cap Insider Says Contract Changes Mean Myles Garrett Wants to leave Cleveland.
Jack Duffin, a salary cap specialist with the Orange and Brown Report, reposted a social media post authored by Over the Cap and shared on X on Wednesday.
The links lead to an explanation of Cleveland and Garrett’s choice to amend his contract in such a way that payment is postponed for several months each offseason, creating trading opportunities. Duffin stated in his caption that taking such action can only mean one thing.
“Garrett wants out, and it appears like they are going to give it to him later this offseason,” Duffin said. “No genuine cause to do it otherwise. “
ESPN’s Field Yates first reported the language adjustments to Garrett’s contract, and OTC provided a thorough explanation.
“The Browns and star [edge]-rusher Myles Garrett have agreed to a revised deal in which both sides have agreed to postpone the option dates in his contract from late March to early September,” according to OTC. “This is a rather odd action on Garrett’s part because it postpones the payment of income to Garrett each year and essentially creates a trade window each year, with Garrett having a no-trade clause. ” It’s difficult to understand what the rationale is here from both viewpoints.
To acquire Myles Garrett, the Lions will have to sacrifice a large quantity of assets, including at least two first-round picks.
However, Duffin disagreed with OTC’s conclusion, claiming that the changes made on Wednesday unmistakably demonstrate Garrett’s desire to quit Cleveland, and that the Browns are likely to allow him to do so.
Garrett requested a trade last summer, but the team mollified him with a four-year, $160 million deal. However, the club went 5-12 in the interim and has no genuine quarterback solution other than a wing and a prayer for second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders.
Garrett, who will be 31 in late December, shattered the NFL single-season sack record last season with 23 sacks and topped all players with 33 tackles for defeat. He could quickly return the Lions to Super Bowl contention, since the club is currently ranked No. 6 in Pro Football Focus’ post-free agency preseason power rankings.
The price for Detroit in a transaction is likely to be around three first-round selections. However, if Garrett is on the market, the Lions likely have a strong possibility of entering the bidding with an offer of pick Nos. 17 and 50 in Rounds 1 and 2 of this year’s draft, as well as a first-round choice in 2027.
