Proposed Myles Garrett Trade Would Send Star to Lions for Unprecedented Return
A proposed trade idea suggests the Cleveland Browns could send star pass-rusher Myles Garrett to the Detroit Lions for an unprecedented return.
The Cleveland Browns currently have no plans to trade Garrett, but that could change if they received a compelling offer similar to the hypothetical one pitched by former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum.
On ESPN’s “Get Up” on Friday, Tannenbaum proposed a trade that would send Garrett to the Lions in exchange for a massive package: three first-round picks and running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit’s first-round pick from last season.
They need a top pass-rusher. Aidan Hutchinson might come back, but Garrett is young and in his prime. With him, Detroit could win the Super Bowl. Gibbs is a solid player but replaceable. These will be late-round picks. Why wouldn’t they win with Myles Garrett?” Tannenbaum explained.
His bold suggestion prompted some panelists to react with disbelief, with Bart Scott noting the Lions could pursue a more affordable option: Browns pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith.
Right team, wrong player,” Scott said. “Go get Za’Darius Smith. You could get him for much less.”
Tannenbaum defended his position, arguing that Garrett is the NFL’s best non-quarterback. Though his proposal was unconventional, Garrett’s performance backs it up. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Garrett has dominated since joining the league, recording 92.5 sacks in eight seasons.
Za’Darius Smith Faces Trade Rumors
While it’s unlikely Garrett will be traded by the deadline, Za’Darius Smith has been frequently mentioned in trade rumors, especially with the Browns at 2-6.
That’s beyond my control,” Smith told cleveland.com about the rumors on Thursday. “That’s up to GM Andrew Berry.”
Smith, acquired by the Browns last year, has nearly matched his five-sack total from last season in just eight games this year. He signed a two-year, $23.5 million contract with Cleveland in the offseason.
Getting traded here last year was an adjustment,” Smith said. “I’ve mostly played in a 3-4 system, and switching to a 4-3 was different. Now I’m making more plays as I’m getting comfortable with it.”
Smith’s Leadership Valued by Browns
The Browns would be hesitant to trade Smith, given his leadership role on defense. Cleveland sees him as an essential part of their effort to turn their season around.
He’s a real leader in our room. His energy and professionalism are invaluable,” said Browns defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire. “With teams focusing so much on Garrett, Smith’s ability to rush, set the edge, and bring energy has been critical.”
Still, Cleveland’s openness to trading Amari Cooper — their top wide receiver — shows that, for the right offer, any player could be available.