Report: Lions Called About Availability of $125 Million All-Pro

However, it seems the Lions still decided to investigate Garrett’s potential availability. According to Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire, Detroit reached out to the Browns after Garrett requested a trade. This interest isn’t new, as ESPN’s Kimberly A. Martin previously reported that the Lions were the most interested team in trading for Garrett ahead of last season’s trade deadline.

Garrett’s appeal is undeniable. As one of the league’s top defensive players, he consistently makes a significant impact. He has posted double-digit sacks in every season for the past seven years, including 14 or more in each of the last four. Pro Football Focus also rated him as the leader among all edge rushers in total pressures, with 83 in the most recent season.

The Lions are in need of improving their pass rush, as Hutchinson was the only player on the team with more than four sacks in 2024. However, making Garrett’s contract work would be challenging, given he is one of the highest-paid edge rushers in the league and is likely seeking a new deal, with Hutchinson also expected to demand a significant contract soon.

Though it seems unlikely that a trade for Garrett will happen—especially with the Browns showing no signs of wanting to move him—the Lions’ inquiry suggests they might be more interested in a blockbuster move than they have publicly acknowledged.