He just broke the record. 23 sacks. In a single season. Myles Garrett basically turned the 2025 NFL calendar into his personal highlight reel, surpassing Michael Strahan’s legendary mark while the Cleveland Browns somehow still managed to slide toward another losing record. It's frustrating. Honestly, it's the kind of thing that makes you want to throw a remote through a TV screen if you're a Browns fan.
But in Detroit? The mood is different. The Lions are sniffing a Super Bowl, yet everyone knows the one thing they’re missing is that second terrifying presence opposite Aidan Hutchinson. You’ve seen the mock drafts. You’ve heard the radio callers. The idea of Myles Garrett possibly traded to Lions for boosted pass rush has become the ultimate "what if" of the 2026 offseason.
The Reality of the Myles Garrett Trade Rumors
Let’s get real for a second. Garrett actually requested a trade back in February 2025. He was vocal about it. He told reporters he wanted to win, and he didn't care what that looked like, as long as it wasn't more "general Brownitude." Then, in a classic NFL twist, Cleveland backed up the Brink’s truck.
They handed him a four-year, $160 million extension with $123.5 million guaranteed. That sort of money usually ends any trade talk. It's supposed to be a "happily ever after" situation, or at least a "we’re stuck together" one.
Yet, here we are in January 2026, and the rumors are louder than ever. Why? Because the Browns finished 3-14 again in 2024 and didn't fare much better this past year despite Garrett’s historic individual performance.
When a generational talent is wasting his prime on a team that can’t find its own feet, the rest of the league starts circling. Especially a team like Detroit that is one piece away from dominance.
✨ Don't miss: Lo que nadie te cuenta sobre los próximos partidos de selección de fútbol de jamaica
Why the Lions are Obsessed With This Move
Detroit’s defense is good. It’s gritty. It’s "Dan Campbell" personified. But if you look at the stats, the pass rush can be a bit of a one-man show. Aidan Hutchinson is a superstar, but when teams can double-team him without fear of the other side, the Lions' secondary starts to feel the heat.
The idea of pairing Hutchinson with Garrett is, quite frankly, unfair. It’s like bringing a bazooka to a knife fight.
The Fit in Motown
- Kelvin Sheppard’s Scheme: The Lions' defensive coordinator loves aggressive, blue-chip players who can win one-on-one.
- The Window: Jared Goff isn't getting any younger, and the Lions have a roster built to win right now.
- The Culture: Garrett has grown tired of losing. Detroit is currently the capital of "winning with a chip on your shoulder."
Brad Holmes, the Lions' GM, hasn't been shy about big moves. He’s the guy who traded for Jared Goff and built this whole thing from the ground up. If he thinks Myles Garrett possibly traded to Lions for boosted pass rush is the key to a parade down Woodward Avenue, he might just pull the trigger.
The Salary Cap Nightmare (And How to Wake Up)
This is where things get messy. NFL contracts are basically written in a secret language designed to give accountants headaches.
Garrett’s new deal includes a massive $41 million dead money hit for the Browns if they trade him before June 1, 2026. That’s a lot. For context, that’s more than some teams spend on their entire offensive line.
🔗 Read more: Listen to Dodger Game: How to Catch Every Pitch Without a Cable Bill
However, we’ve seen teams do crazier things. The Denver Broncos ate $80 million just to get rid of Russell Wilson, and they survived. If the Browns decide to go into a full, scorched-earth rebuild, they might be willing to swallow that pill if the return is high enough.
For the Lions, the 2026 cap is manageable, but it’s tight. They’d likely need to restructure Goff’s contract or let some veterans like Alex Anzalone or D.J. Reader walk in free agency to make the numbers work. It’s a gamble. A huge one.
What Would a Trade Actually Cost?
You don't get a guy who just set the sack record for a third-round pick and a bag of chips. It would be a "Godfather" offer. We're talking:
- At least two first-round picks (likely 2026 and 2027).
- A high-end rotational player or a Day 2 pick.
- The willingness to take on that massive salary.
Is it worth it? Most Lions fans would say yes in a heartbeat. Imagine a 3rd-and-long situation where the opposing QB has to look left and see #97, then look right and see #95. You might as well just punt on second down.
The Counter-Argument: Why it Might Not Happen
There is a very real possibility that Garrett stays put. He has a no-trade clause in his new contract. He has to want to go to Detroit. While the Lions are attractive, Garrett might feel a sense of loyalty to Cleveland after they made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in history.
💡 You might also like: LeBron James and Kobe Bryant: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
Also, the Browns’ front office knows that trading Garrett is essentially admitting defeat for the next three years. Without him, that defense becomes a sieve. GM Andrew Berry has repeatedly said Garrett is "foundational." You don't usually sell your foundation unless the house is already on fire. (Though, to be fair, some would argue the Browns’ house has been smoking for a while.)
Actionable Insights for the Offseason
If you’re a Lions fan tracking this, don’t buy your Garrett jersey just yet, but keep an eye on these specific triggers:
- The June 1st Date: If a trade happens, it’s much more likely to occur after June 1, when the dead money hit for Cleveland can be split over two years ($15.5 million in 2026).
- Browns Coaching Search: Cleveland is currently looking at head coach candidates. If they hire a "rebuild" specialist, the chances of a Garrett trade skyrocket.
- Lions Draft Strategy: If Detroit passes on an EDGE defender with their #17 overall pick in the 2026 draft, it’s a massive signal they are looking at the veteran trade market.
Ultimately, the NFL is a business of "never say never." A year ago, nobody thought Aaron Rodgers would be a Jet or Stefon Diggs would be a Texan. The Myles Garrett possibly traded to Lions for boosted pass rush saga is just getting started, and the next few months will determine if Detroit becomes the most feared defense in professional football.
Keep your notifications on for any news regarding the Browns' cap restructuring or Detroit's draft-day trades. The window for a championship is open in Detroit, and Myles Garrett might be the one to kick it wide open.