Evaluating the Trade Proposal: Lions Get More Than Just Myles Garrett from the Browns
Trade proposals involving Myles Garrett and the Detroit Lions are circulating in various forms, but let’s focus on one in particular.
A Dream Scenario for Contenders
With Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett making his trade request public on Monday, fans of Super Bowl-contending teams have been eager to see if their franchise can land him. The Detroit Lions should be part of the discussion, even if they ultimately don’t finalize a deal for the reigning 2024 Defensive Player of the Year.
Going all-in for a player like Garrett would contradict the successful approach used by Lions general manager Brad Holmes. However, they may be approaching a mindset similar to Rams GM Les Snead’s “F them picks” strategy, which helped Los Angeles secure a Super Bowl title. While Detroit’s “draft and develop” philosophy is ideal for long-term success, there comes a time when an aggressive move is necessary to push a team over the top.
Holmes has pushed back against the notion that the Lions are in a “Super Bowl window,” but given their playoff shortcomings the past two years, it’s clear that they are. That window is naturally getting smaller.
A Price Worth Paying?
Early trade projections for Garrett vary but typically start with at least one first-round pick. A widely used comparison is the 2018 trade in which the Chicago Bears acquired 27-year-old Khalil Mack from the Oakland Raiders.
In that deal, the Bears gave up two first-round picks, a third-rounder, and a sixth-rounder, while receiving Mack, a second-rounder, and a fifth-rounder in return.
The Proposed Trade
Richard Silva of the Detroit News has suggested a deal similar to the Mack trade, which would send Garrett to the Lions. Here’s a breakdown:
Lions Receive:
- DE Myles Garrett
- 2025 Sixth-Round Pick
- 2026 Fifth-Round Pick
Browns Receive:
- 2025 First-Round Pick
- 2026 First-Round Pick
- 2025 Fourth-Round Pick
- 2026 Third-Round Pick
For the Lions, getting two draft picks back in exchange for Garrett would be a significant win. The Browns currently have four sixth-round picks in 2025, with the best one (No. 181 overall) valued at 19 points according to the classic Jimmy Johnson draft pick value chart. Meanwhile, Detroit’s 2025 fourth-round pick in this deal holds a 40-point value.
The 2026 third-round pick the Lions are giving up is a compensatory selection for losing defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to the Jets’ head coaching job. They would still retain their 2025 third-round compensatory pick for Glenn, which replaced their original third-rounder that they traded last year.
While the mid-to-late-round pick swap isn’t an exact match in value, the Lions regain some draft capital while acquiring Garrett. Sacrificing two future first-round picks is significant, but it’s likely the minimum cost required to enter serious trade discussions.
Should the Lions Make the Move?
Some will completely dismiss the idea of trading for Garrett under any circumstances. However, the Lions should at least explore the possibility by reaching out to the Browns. If an offer like Silva’s is in play, Detroit should seriously consider making a move to acquire a game-changing player like Garrett.