The Detroit Lions are in position to be one of the teams in the mix for a Myles Garrett trade this offseason, but what is the likelihood they get a deal done?
While a move for Garrett makes sense on the surface, it will be a difficult endeavor. The Cleveland Browns have maintained a commitment to keeping him, which complicates matters for interested teams.
Even such, some believe Garrett will be traded eventually. Former general manager Mike Tannenbaum is one such person, and went so far as to boldly predict on "Get Up" the Lions will land the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year.
"This just makes too much sense. If you're the Detroit Lions, you have a chance to win right now and when you have to beat San Francisco, Philadelphia, Green Bay (and) Minnesota, you've got to beat some great passing games. You have (Aidan) Hutchinson coming off injury. I liked the Za'Darius Smith addition, but go get a Hall of Famer in his 20's. He may get you over the hump. If you're Cleveland rebuilding, get as many assets as you can get."
The Lions have been cited a top destination for Garrett with many advocating for the move, but this projection is the boldest to this point.
Insider thinks Detroit Lions would be put over the top with a Myles Garrett trade
Would adding Garrett guarantee success for Detroit? ESPN's Bill Barnwell thinks so. In discussing Garrett's pursuit, Barnwell ranked every team that could be involved in talks (subscription required), and the Lions placed high on the list. His analysis shows why they should entertain the trade.
"Davenport is a free agent, and while Hutchinson still has one year left on his rookie deal before a potential fifth-year option, the Lions might be a little worried he won't immediately return to his prior level of play, which had him as a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. They don't have a quarterback on a rookie deal, but as one of the league's youngest teams, they have key contributors on both sides of the ball on team-friendly contracts. With $56.7 million in projected cap space, there's enough space over the next couple of years to trade for Garrett and sign him to a new deal. It would be a huge bet, but if Detroit thinks it's one player away, is there a better alternative than Garrett?"
Detroit will remain stacked offensively, with the potential exception of changes to the offensive line. Defensively, things are murky. The Lions have Hutchinson and Alim McNeill coming off injury, and questions in the secondary, making them primed for a shakeup. It doesn't hurt the Philadelphia Eagles dominated the Super Bowl with their pass rush.
Garrett could certainly change the game in Detroit, and already, one former executive believes a deal will get done in due time.