The Detroit Lions have gradually and strategically built their roster over the past three seasons, transforming from a struggling team into a Super Bowl contender.

After steadily addressing roster gaps, the team might make a bold move this offseason, according to one analyst. Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire explored two offseason paths: one where the Lions stick to their conservative strategy of modest improvements, and another where they aim for a major splash by targeting All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett.

Lions Acquire Myles Garrett in Blockbuster Deal

Risdon acknowledged that the Cleveland Browns likely prefer to keep their former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, despite him reportedly seeking trade permission. He suggested it would take a significant package of picks to entice the Browns.

“Though it’s unlikely the Browns want to trade Garrett, and salary cap factors make a deal nearly impossible, here’s how the Lions’ offseason could look if it somehow happened,” Risdon explained.

His proposed trade has the Lions sending two first-round picks (2025 and 2026), two third-rounders from the next two drafts, and defensive tackle Brodric Martin. In exchange, Detroit would receive Garrett, a 2025 fifth-rounder, and a 2026 second-round pick.

Competition for Garrett would be fierce, given he’s at his peak, with five consecutive Pro Bowl appearances and four All-Pro selections.

Garrett would fill a crucial need for the Lions, who lack a consistent pass rush beyond Aidan Hutchinson. After Hutchinson’s season-ending leg fracture in October, no other player surpassed his 7.5 sacks.

Browns Likely to Retain Garrett

Despite the hypothetical deal, the Browns are expected to keep Garrett. NFL insider Daniel Jeremiah shared that most league insiders believe Garrett isn’t going anywhere.

“Everyone I’ve talked to expects Cleveland to hold onto him. We’ll see,” Jeremiah said on a conference call, via SB Nation’s Pride of Detroit.

But Jeremiah noted the Lions might still pursue the move.

“Detroit has a roster built to win now and contend for a championship. Garrett could be that final piece,” Jeremiah added. “If I were Brad Holmes, I’d be aggressive. This move could bring a parade to Detroit, and I’d do whatever it takes to make it happen.”