When Myles Garrett announced he was seeking a trade on February 3rd, supporters across the league began urging their preferred teams to secure the defensive star, including numerous fans of the Detroit Lions. However, might acquiring Garrett be a misstep for Detroit?
Indeed, Myles Garrett in Detroit is a nightmare.
Alright, devoted fans of Detroit, put down your swords and listen to me before you choose to have me crucified. Could Myles Garrett and Aidan Hutchinson form an incredibly daunting pass-rushing pair that would activate every quarterback’s fight or flight instinct? Indeed. Would acquiring Myles Garrett immediately turn Detroit into a Super Bowl contender? Indeed, yes.
We all just witnessed the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive line utterly destroy the Chiefs’ offensive front and put Patrick Mahomes in a tough spot. A Detroit defensive line featuring Hutchinson, Garrett, Alim McNeill, and DJ Reader would produce the same impact against any team in the league. However, let’s examine the main components of the Eagles’ defensive line and review how they were obtained.
The Eagles picked Josh Sweat in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL draft. Jalen Carter was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, and Philadelphia also chose Nolan Smith Jr. in that draft. Does anyone want to take a guess at which team drafted Brandon Graham? Ah indeed, the Eagles back in 2010. Philly additionally selected Jordan Davis and Milton Williams in the draft. I believe you can understand the message I’m conveying here. Philadelphia earned their success in the trenches rather than purchasing it. They created it
In Brad Holmes We Believe
As we discuss drafting success, I must highlight Brad Holmes and his remarkable talent for consistently making impactful selections on draft night. Here are the mentioned home runs.
2021 NFL Draft
Round 1: 7th overall – Penei Sewell, OT
Round 2: 41st overall – Levi Onwuzurike, DT
Round 3: 72nd overall – Alim McNeill, DT
Round 3: 101st overall – Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB
Round 4: 112th overall – Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR
Round 4: 113th overall – Derrick Barnes, LB
Round 7: 257th overall – Jermar Jefferson, RB
2022 NFL Draft
Round 1: 2nd overall – Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE
Round 1: 12th overall – Jameson Williams, WR
Round 2: 46th overall – Josh Paschal, EDGE
Round 3: 97th overall – Kerby Joseph, S
Round 5: 177th overall – James Mitchell, TE
Round 6: 188th overall – Malcolm Rodriguez, LB
Round 6: 217th overall – James Houston, EDGE
Round 7: 237th overall – Chase Lucas, CB
2023 NFL Draft
Round 1: 12th overall – Jahmyr Gibbs, RB
Round 1: 18th overall – Jack Campbell, LB
Round 2: 34th overall – Sam LaPorta, TE
Round 2: 45th overall – Brian Branch, S
Round 3: 68th overall – Hendon Hooker, QB
Round 3: 96th overall – Brodric Martin, DT
Round 5: 152nd overall – Colby Sorsdal, OL
Round 7: 219th overall – Antoine Green, WR
2024 NFL Draft
Round 1: 24th overall – Terion Arnold, CB
Round 2: 61st overall – Ennis Rakestraw Jr, CB
Round 4: 126th overall – Giovanni Manu, OT
Round 4: 132nd overall – Sione Vaki, S
Round 6: 189 overall – Mekhi Wingo, DT
Round 6: 210th overall – Christian Mahogany, G
Nearly every player Brad Holmes has selected since taking on the role of general manager for Detroit has played a part in the team’s achievements. His success rate in the initial round is remarkable on its own, as each first-round pick significantly contributes and becomes a part of the Lions’ foundation. Including his mid to late-round success rate, he has ranked among the top NFL GMs, alongside Howie Roseman, the GM for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Year after year, Brad has recognized Detroit’s most vital needs and addressed them in the draft. This year’s draft will be just the same. The 2025 draft class is packed with pass rushers who top Detroit’s wishlist. Detroit has achieved success by focusing on the draft and free agency, and obtaining a player such as Myles Garrett would require at least two first-round selections and likely an impactful player as well. That’s simply an excessive cost for a top young team such as the Lions.
Unlocking The Vault
What is the primary consequence of ongoing draft success? The expense of canceling your draft success. Although the salary cap might not be “actual,” and Detroit possesses significant cap space in the league, acquiring Myles Garrett would financially cripple the franchise. Kerby Joseph, Hutch, and Jameson Williams are likely to re-sign this offseason.
Although Hutch and Williams may receive 5th-year options, Joseph has just one year left on his deal. If a fit Aidan Hutchinson gets back to his best, it’s not completely unlikely for him to become the highest-paid defender in the league.
What can be said about Detroit’s notorious 2023 draft class? Gibbs, Campbell, LaPorta, and Branch are all essential players that Holmes aims to keep and will require top-market salaries.
Certainly, a few individuals might accept a salary reduction, and some players could adjust their agreements, but in the end, acquiring Myles Garrett isn’t advantageous for Detroit’s future success. I’m not gullible. At some point, there will be a victim who won’t return to Detroit. However, trading for Garrett will transform a minor loss into a major one.
Conclusion of My Lions Rant
Main point. Myles Garrett would greatly enhance the Detroit Lions and likely push them to new heights, possibly leading to their first Lombardi trophy win.
Nevertheless, sacrifices would need to occur, which I think would be excessive. This year’s draft class features a strong pool of edge rushers, and I trust Brad Holmes to take the necessary steps for lasting success.
I’ve been cheering for the Lions for nearly 15 years, and I’m aware that we all yearn for that Super Bowl appearance above all else. However, take a moment to sit and observe your surroundings. The squad that Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have put together is here to stay. We’ll arrive whether Myles Garrett is with us or not.
Make sure to stay updated on all things NFL here at Stadium Rant, and join me as I keep reporting on the Lions during this offseason.
The article titled “Detroit Lions Trading For Superstar Might Be A Misstep” was originally published on Stadium Rant.