Lions predicted to trade massive haul for $125 million difference-maker

After failing to at least get back to the NFC Championship Game in 2024, the Detroit Lions need to explore any and every option to improve their already talented roster in order to get over the hump in 2025.

Per Over the Cap, the Lions are in a good spot financially with $44.8 million in cap space this offseason. That will allow them to do something very significant, either through free agency or trade.

One player general manager Brad Holmes should have his sights set on is superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett, who has requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns after the team went through yet another disastrous season.

"While I've loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won't allow me to be complacent. The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl," Garrett wrote.

"With that in mind, I have requested to be traded from the Cleveland Browns."

With Garrett set to be available this offseason, Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire is on the same page as us in terms of Detroit bringing Garrett in.

Risdon suggests a trade package that includes the Lions getting Garrett and a few picks in exchange for four draft picks (two first-rounders) and a player the Lions should have no issue parting with. Here's the proposal.

The Lions send the following to the Browns:

2025 1st round pick (No. 28)
2025 3rd round pick (No. 101)
2026 1st round pick
2026 3rd round pick
DT Brodric Martin

In exchange, the Browns send this package back to Detroit:

EDGE Myles Garrett
2025 5th round pick (No. 165)
2026 2nd round pick

The fifth-round pick the Browns are sending is Detroit’s own selection, which was traded in the fall for EDGE Za’Darius Smith.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported earlier this month that Garrett should bring back "at least two quality picks in return -- either two first-rounders, or a first-rounder and a high-level Day 2 pick package." 

This suggestion from Risdon satisfies that projection, and then some. It's a lot to give up but well worth it for a player who will singlehandedly increase Detroit's chances of winning a Super Bowl. Not to mention, the Lions' roster is in a good enough spot that it can afford to surrender quality picks.

And it's not like Garrett is simply a luxury addition, as the Lions need to beef up the pass-rush this offseason. Not only does Detroit need more depth, but the team also needs a long-term answer opposite Aidan Hutchinson with Za'Darius Smith under contract for one more season.

Simply adding Garrett would take the Lions' defense to another level, as he'd form an elite tandem with Hutchinson. And, if Detroit can keep Smith for one more season, the Lions would have the depth they need, also.