The concept began to form as last year’s trade deadline neared, but it gained momentum when Myles Garrett requested a trade at the start of Super Bowl week. The Detroit Lions are in need of a reliable edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson, and Garrett’s desire to leave Cleveland indicates a disconnect between him and the Browns about their future direction.
While it would make sense for Lions general manager Brad Holmes to explore trade talks involving Garrett, the chances of such a deal happening are still slim. The Lions would have to part with significant assets, which might not align with their long-term strategy. Additionally, the Browns would need to reconsider their firm stance against trading Garrett, although it’s possible they eventually will.
So, instead of focusing on Garrett, let’s shift attention to more realistic trade options for the Lions in the edge rusher market.
5 more feasible edge rusher trade targets for the Detroit Lions
5. Bradley Chubb, Miami Dolphins
Chubb missed the entirety of the 2024 season after suffering a major right knee injury in late 2023 (torn ACL, meniscus, and patella tendon). Miami’s slim playoff hopes and his 21-day activation window passing may have affected their decision on his potential return, although head coach Mike McDaniel dismissed this as a factor.
Chubb enjoyed his most productive season in 2023 with 11 sacks, 73 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles, and 70 quarterback pressures, following a solid 2022 season split between the Denver Broncos and the Dolphins. He still has three years left on his contract, with only $10 million guaranteed for injury this year, according to Spotrac. While the Dolphins anticipate his return, trading or releasing him before June 1 would result in significant dead money with little cap relief.
Given the circumstances, the Dolphins may look to shake up their edge rusher group, and Chubb, being the most expendable, could be traded for a relatively low cost.