During the NFL Combine, it seemed like the idea of the Detroit Lions pursuing a trade for Myles Garrett was nearly out of the question.
At the combine, GM Brad Holmes told reporters that the Lions likely wouldn’t make a move for a star edge rusher due to the contract extension they need to finalize for Aidan Hutchinson.
Meanwhile, Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry stated that his team had no plans to trade Garrett, despite his trade request.
However, it appears the Lions still decided to check on the availability of the former Defensive Player of the Year.
According to Lions Wire’s Jeff Risdon, the Lions have reached out to the Browns about Garrett’s availability since his trade request.
It also seems the Lions have been interested in Garrett for some time, as ESPN’s Kimberly A. Martin reported the Lions were the team most intrigued by a potential Garrett trade before the last season’s trade deadline.
The appeal of acquiring Garrett is clear. He’s one of the NFL’s top difference makers on defense, regardless of position.
Garrett has posted double-digit sacks in each of the past seven seasons, with at least 14 in each of the last four. Pro Football Focus also ranked him first among edge rushers with 83 total pressures this past season.
The Lions clearly need help in their pass rush, as Hutchinson was the only player on the team with more than four sacks in 2024.
Making the financials work would be challenging, with Garrett being one of the highest-paid edge rushers in the league and seeking a new contract, while Hutchinson is likely to join him near the top of the list.
However, acquiring Garrett would give the Lions the most formidable edge duo in the NFL.
Though it still seems improbable that a trade for Garrett will happen, given that the Browns have shown no signs of wanting to trade him, the Lions might be more serious about making a major move than they’ve let on.