One of the top defenders in football has asked for a trade, and the Detroit Lions may be key players in the pursuit of his talents.
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett has formally expressed his desire to be traded from the team that selected him first overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. A significant aspect of his wish to relocate is that the Browns are not presently contenders for a Super Bowl, which is a primary objective of his career.
“As a child aspiring to join the NFL, my sole focus was on the dream of winning a Super Bowl — and that ambition drives me now more than ever,” stated Garrett in a release on Monday. “My affection for the Northeast Ohio community and the amazing supporters of the Cleveland Browns has turned this into one of the hardest choices I’ve ever faced.” The last eight years have molded me into the person I have become.
“Although I’ve enjoyed making this city my home, my ambition to compete and succeed on the grandest stages prevents me from being complacent,” the statement added. “The objective was never simply to travel from Cleveland to Canton; it has always been to vie for and secure a Super Bowl victory.” Considering this, I have asked for a trade from the Cleveland Browns.
At first glance, the Lions appear to be precisely the kind of place Garrett would hope to settle. Considering his ambition to succeed and the Lions possess the necessary components yet haven’t achieved their ultimate aim, a collaboration between one of the top teams in the league and one of its finest players is entirely logical.
Nonetheless, the primary challenge will be the expense of securing one of the league’s top talents in a key position. Lions general manager Brad Holmes stated that acquiring defensive end Za’Darius Smith, previously with the Browns, was among the toughest challenges he’s faced, due to many of the elite EDGE rushers being seen as untouchable.
When questioned at the Senior Bowl, Browns general manager Andrew Berry informed reporters that he would not exchange Garrett for two first-round selections. Considering Garrett’s past productivity, any agreement would necessitate the Lions to relinquish several draft picks, which would include multiple first-round selections.
Cleveland probably isn’t expected to trade the star, and based on his past contract adjustments, it might result in over $36 million in cap penalties for the Browns if a deal occurs, as reported by OverTheCap.
Bringing Garrett on board would certainly provide the Lions with one of the top rosters in the league by 2025. Nevertheless, it would require sacrificing several first-round selections, along with other draft options.
Moreover, his contract extending until 2026 would pose significant challenges for the Lions in keeping several of their key players. Detroit possesses only $22 million in cap space for the 2026 season, while Garrett holds a cap hit exceeding $20 million for that year.
A prime illustration is the deal Chicago struck for 27-year-old Khalil Mack, who was regarded as one of the top players in the league at that time. In that trade, the Bears gave the Raiders two first-round selections, a third-round selection, and a sixth-round selection for Mack, along with a second and a conditional fifth.
This provides insight into the possible package a team such as Detroit would need to obtain Garrett.
It presents Holmes with a choice: Commit fully and strike the deal to obtain top-tier talent in return for significant draft assets? Or forgo it and remain true to the team’s foundation of drafting and developing?