It was and remains very unlikely the Detroit Lions will trade for Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett. General manager Brad Holmes confirmed it this past week at the NFL Combine, but it's also not surprising the Lions reportedly were one of the teams to make a call to the Browns about the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year.
Sitting out of the conversation on Garrett has never been a good option for the Lions, and a different layer was added to the situation his week. The Browns want to give him a big money contract extension, as they have remained staunch about not trading him despite him making his trade request public. But Garrett is not open to signing an extension, which further proves his desire to move on is not about money. The Browns are not close to winning a Super Bowl, and he wants out.
It's fair to assume, if/when they move off their stance about a trade or he digs his heels in further and further to force their hand, the Browns would prefer to send Garrett to an NFC team. That would work in the Lions' favor, such as they may get more involved than the aforementioned call.
Budding Myles Garrett trade suitor would be a nightmare for the Lions
On Friday's edition of the The Scoop City podcast, Dianna Russini of The Athletic brought up a potential suitor for Garrett.
"Here’s what some people are saying right now, that Howie’s willing to move on from some of these guys because he’s looking to make a big swing. And that big swing would be for Myles Garrett", Russini said.
"Garrett could be this year's version of Saquon Barkley for Howie," an NFL GM reportedly told Russini. "He's an impact add and isn't a free-agent overpay. Howie's not afraid to try stuff, and it fits where they are as a team."
"Howie" is, of course, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman. As in, the general manager of the reigning Super Bowl champions who is never afraid to do bold things and they often work out well.
In written form via a post published on Saturday, Russini again had notes about the Eagles possibly making a move for Garrett.
"I'm told the Philadelphia Eagles’ interest in Garrett is real. As fearsome as Philly’s defense was in the Super Bowl, imagine adding the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year?"
“Garrett could be this year’s version of Saquon Barkley for Howie [Roseman],” one NFL GM said. “He’s an impact add and isn’t a free-agent overpay. Howie’s not afraid to try stuff, and it fits where they are as a team.”
If they were to add Garrett, the Eagles would have to let some notable free agents go (Josh Sweat, Zach Baun, Milton Williams). So there's natural risk to going all-in like that, but as mentioned Roseman has not been afraid to do so.
Holmes was concise about the idea of the Lions adding another top-end veteran edge rusher ("probably not"), while Roseman appears to be going the opposite direction even it means losing some key members of the defense that just won the Super Bowl. Sweat is expected to be gone in free agency anyway.
Holmes doesn't buy into the idea the Lions are in a "Super Bowl window", but they are undeniably in one that has been narrowed by two straight playoff losses short of that goal.
Of all the teams Garrett could land on if he's traded, the Eagles would be the worst for the Lions in terms of keeping that window as open as possible. Not only would they not get him, but the only team that's better than them in the NFC would.
