The Detroit Lions have taken a methodical approach to building their roster over the past three seasons, transforming from a struggling team to a Super Bowl contender.
After focusing on steady, smaller moves to address weaknesses, the team could consider a more aggressive move this offseason, according to one analyst. Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire outlined two offseason scenarios: one where the Lions continue their cautious approach, and another where they pursue a major “big splash” move for All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett.
Risdon acknowledged that the Cleveland Browns would prefer to keep their former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, despite Garrett seeking a trade. He speculated that it would take a massive trade package from the Lions to make the deal appealing enough for Cleveland.
“While it’s unlikely the Browns would trade Garrett, and the financial details make such a deal almost impossible, here’s what it could look like if the Lions and Browns pulled it off,” Risdon wrote.
The proposed trade would send the Lions’ two future first-round picks (one from 2025 and one from 2026), third-round picks from the next two drafts, and defensive tackle Brodric Martin in exchange for Garrett, a 2025 fifth-round pick, and a 2026 second-round pick.
The Lions would likely face stiff competition for Garrett, who is at the height of his career, earning Pro Bowl selections in the past five seasons and All-Pro honors in four of those years.
Garrett would be a great fit for the Lions, who have struggled to maintain a consistent pass rush aside from star Aidan Hutchinson. Even though Hutchinson was sidelined by a season-ending leg injury in October, no other player on the team exceeded his 7.5 sacks for the season.
As Risdon suggested, the Browns might decline any trade offers and choose to continue rebuilding around Garrett. NFL insider Daniel Jeremiah confirmed this week that other teams expect the same outcome.
“Talking to people around the league recently, the expectation is that Garrett won’t be moved,” Jeremiah said on a conference call, via SB Nation’s Pride of Detroit.
However, this likely won’t stop the Lions from pursuing the deal, according to Jeremiah.
“Detroit has the roster to contend for a championship right now. That could be the final piece,” he said. “If I were Brad Holmes, I’d be aggressive, doing whatever it takes to bring a player like that to my team. It could bring a championship to Detroit.”
