The NFL world is full of what-ifs, hypothetical scenarios, and trade rumors. Every offseason, team fans speculate about big moves, especially after an exciting season or a major event like the Super Bowl.
One of the most recent trade talks circulating around the Detroit Lions is the potential acquisition of Myles Garrett, a defensive powerhouse for the Cleveland Browns, following the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory. While it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of high-profile trades after a championship, the notion that the Lions need to trade for Garrett simply because of the Eagles’ success needs to be carefully examined.
The Super Bowl victory for the Philadelphia Eagles was a historic achievement that saw them defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in a nail-biting game that showcased stellar performances on both sides of the ball. While the Eagles’ defense did play a crucial role in their victory, particularly with their ability to pressure the quarterback and stifle the Chiefs’ high-powered offense, it does not necessarily mean that other teams, such as the Lions, should suddenly change their entire strategy by trading for a player like Garrett. In fact, there are several reasons why the Eagles’ win does not justify such a bold move.
The Lions Have a Solid Defensive Foundation
First and foremost, the Lions’ defense has been significantly improving over the past few seasons. Under defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, the Lions have shown that they are building a capable and aggressive defensive unit. In 2023, Detroit was ranked in the middle of the pack in many key defensive categories, but they had a remarkable turnaround compared to previous years. The addition of young talent, such as Aidan Hutchinson, has already bolstered their pass rush, which has long been a weak point. Hutchinson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, made an immediate impact in his rookie year and continued to be a force in 2023. He’s a cornerstone of the defense, and his growth is a significant asset for the Lions.
Hutchinson’s presence on the edge means the Lions already have a developing star at the position. Adding a player like Garrett, who is arguably one of the best pass rushers in the league, could be appealing on paper, but it doesn’t necessarily solve the Lions’ immediate needs. They need to continue developing their existing players, particularly Hutchinson, who is still early in his career. Instead of making a drastic trade, the Lions are better off focusing on building a deeper, more cohesive defensive line, which can be achieved through draft picks and free agency without having to part with significant assets to land Garrett.
The Cost of Acquiring Myles Garrett
Speaking of assets, one of the biggest reasons a trade for Myles Garrett doesn’t make sense for the Lions is the steep price that would come with it. Garrett is one of the most dominant edge rushers in the league, and with that status comes a hefty price tag. He is on a lucrative contract, which would further exacerbate Detroit’s salary cap situation. The Lions have made great strides in building a solid foundation and can continue doing so without overextending themselves financially.
The Browns would likely demand a significant return in any trade for Garrett. Detroit would have to part with valuable draft picks and potentially even established players to land him. This could destabilize the balance the Lions have worked hard to create. Furthermore, the Lions are already investing significant resources into their defense, with players like Hutchinson and young cornerbacks who are key to the team’s future. Sacrificing these assets for one player, no matter how talented, could set back their long-term growth.
The Eagles’ Model Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
The Eagles’ Super Bowl victory was, in many ways, a reflection of their unique team-building philosophy. While their defense was certainly a key part of the victory, it wasn’t just about one player. The Eagles built a complete defensive unit, with players like Haason Reddick, Fletcher Cox, and Javon Hargrave all playing pivotal roles. Their success was the result of a collective effort, rather than relying on one dominant player to carry the load. The Lions could follow a similar strategy by continuing to build a well-rounded defense, rather than relying on a singular move to land a star like Garrett.
The idea that the Lions need to acquire Garrett to replicate the Eagles’ success is misguided. The Eagles’ defense was well-rounded and deep, and they built it through multiple avenues: free agency, the draft, and effective team building. The Lions, too, have the opportunity to build a defense through multiple paths, but relying on a high-profile trade might not be the best approach. Instead, they should focus on growing their current talent and making strategic moves to solidify the defense as a whole, rather than chasing the impact of one player.
The Lions’ Offensive Potential
Another key reason why trading for Garrett doesn’t make sense for the Lions is that they have other areas of the team that need attention. Detroit has shown significant growth on the offensive side of the ball, especially with Jared Goff’s resurgence as a quarterback and the development of their offensive weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown. However, the Lions are still looking to build on their offensive line and perhaps add a few more playmakers. With a balanced approach to building a championship-caliber team, the Lions should focus on strengthening the offense while maintaining a steady improvement on defense.
In particular, Detroit should continue to prioritize the offensive line. Goff has shown that he can thrive with the right protection, and bolstering this unit would go a long way in improving the team’s overall success. Additionally, adding more talent to the receiving core or the running back room could help the Lions maintain an edge over their NFC rivals. The defense should remain a priority, but the Lions should take a more nuanced approach instead of focusing on landing one star player like Garrett.
Conclusion
While Myles Garrett is undoubtedly a game-changer on defense, the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory does not serve as a compelling reason for the Lions to make a trade for him. The Lions already have a solid defensive foundation in place, led by emerging stars like Aidan Hutchinson. Their focus should remain on developing this talent and building a well-rounded team, rather than chasing high-profile trades. In the long run, the Lions’ path to success is not defined by one blockbuster move, but by consistent growth, smart investments, and a balanced team-building strategy. Thus, while Garrett’s skills are undeniable, Detroit’s future lies in nurturing its own assets and staying the course.
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