POLL: Should the Lions Trade Two First-Round Picks for Myles Garrett?
On Monday, former Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns to pursue a Super Bowl. Naturally, many Detroit Lions fans took notice, and for good reason. The Lions appear to be in a strong position to make a potential move for the star pass rusher. They could offer Garrett a real shot at a championship, have plenty of cap space to absorb his $20 million and $25 million salaries over the next two years, and have a pressing need for a pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson.
I broke down the trade details—what it would take, the financial impact, the chances of a deal happening, and what the Lions might do. But let’s put some of that aside. Forget that the Browns’ general manager has strongly denied any intention to trade Garrett. Ignore that Lions general manager Brad Holmes has emphasized building through the draft rather than making an “all-in” move.
What would you do? Today’s Question of the Day is:
Would you trade two first-round picks for Myles Garrett?
My answer: First, to be clear, no one outside of the Browns knows Garrett’s exact trade value. One NFL general manager thinks it may cost slightly less. The 2018 Khalil Mack trade set a similar precedent. For now, let’s use two first-round picks as a reference point.
While I usually oppose all-in moves, I’d at least consider this one—under one condition: Garrett doesn’t demand a contract extension. If the Lions can simply take on his existing contract and make a two-year push with his manageable cap hits of $20 million this season and $25 million next, it becomes a realistic scenario. That wouldn’t significantly harm Detroit’s future cap flexibility, and while giving up two first-round picks for only two years of Garrett is steep, it’s a move worth debating.
The biggest drawback is, of course, losing two first-round selections, and that cannot be understated. Soon, the Lions will have multiple elite players commanding top-tier salaries, and although the rising cap will help, it won’t completely solve that challenge. Managing the salary cap when 7-10 players are on major contracts requires offsetting them with young, affordable talent. Trading away first-round picks for two years makes that difficult. It would put heavy pressure on Holmes to consistently find impact players in the second, third, and fourth rounds, and while he has done well outside the first round, sustained perfection would be a tough ask.
Ultimately, this move remains a substantial risk, even without extending Garrett. But given his talent, it might still be worth considering.
Vote in the poll and share your thoughts in the comments below.
Poll
Would you trade two first-round picks for Myles Garrett?
- Yes, but only if he doesn’t sign an extension
- Yes, even if he needs an extension
- No