Blockbuster Lions Trade Proposal Lands 4-Time All-Pro DE in ‘Big Splash’

The Detroit Lions have slowly but meticulously built their roster over the last three seasons, taking a team that was once a bottom-dweller and building them into a Super Bowl contender.

After adopting a steady approach to filling holes, the team could take a bigger swing this offseason, one analyst predicts. Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire played out two offseason scenarios, one where the Lions continue with their conservative approach of filling holes with modest roster moves, and another where they go after the “big splash” move — All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett.

Lions Land Myles Garrett With Big Package of Picks

Risdon noted that the Cleveland Browns likely want to hold onto their former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, even though he sought permission for a trade. Risdon predicted it would take a massive haul of picks from the Lions to make the deal attractive enough for the Browns.

“While it’s not likely the Browns have any interest in moving Garrett, and the financial and salary cap details make it next to impossible for Cleveland to even try to deal Garrett, here’s what a Lions offseason could look like if Detroit and Cleveland somehow made it happen,” Risdon wrote.

Risdon predicted the Lions would send two first-round picks, one from 2025 and another from 2026, along with third-round picks from each of the next two drafts and defensive tackle Brodric Martin. In return they would land Garrett along with a fifth-round pick in 2025 and a second-round pick in 2026.

The Lions would likely some some fierce competition to land the Browns star. Garrett is at the peak of his game, making the Pro Bowl in each of the last five seasons and earning All-Pro honors in four of those years.

Garrett could be a good fit for the Lions, who have struggled to establish a consistent pass rush outside of star Aidan Hutchinson. Even though Hutchinson suffered a season-ending leg fracture in October, no other player was able to top the 7.5 sacks he had to that point in the season.

Browns Expected to Hold Pat

As Risdon hinted, the Browns could opt to turn down the trade offers and continue to rebuild around Garrett. NFL insider Daniel Jeremiah revealed this week that other teams around the league see it the same way.

“Everything in talking to people as of late around the league, the expectation is, ‘No, they’re not going to move him. He’s not going to go anywhere.’ We’ll see what happens,” Jeremiah said on a conference call, via SB Nation’s Pride of Detroit.

That likely won’t deter the Lions from seeking a move, Jeremiah added.

“Detroit has the roster that’s ready to win right now, ready to win a championship. That could be a finishing piece,” Jeremiah said. “I would be willing to be pretty aggressive I think if I were Brad Holmes on that front knowing that that could bring a parade to my city. I would be aggressive and do whatever I had to do and try and make something like that happen.”

Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson Sends Surprising Message on Team

Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has some surprising comments about the team in the wake of the staff changes.

The Detroit Lions are only a short period of time into the offseason, and things already look totally different than they did this time last year. The team has lost both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who took a gig with the Chicago Bears, and Aaron Glenn, who’s now head coach of the New York Jets.

Detroit Lions star edge Aidan Hutchinson opened up about the changes in a podcast last week, and he had some surprising remarks.

Lions Aidan Hutchinson Gets Honest About the State of the Team

During an appearance on Thursday, February 19, on “The Squeeze” podcast with Tay and Taylor Lautner, Hutchinson was asked about the state of the Lions and what it means to lose Johnson and Glenn. He totally downplayed the losses and basically said the team’s success rests on the players, who are actually carrying out those play calls.

“I don’t care who they bring,” Hutchinson said on the show. “Obviously keeping Dan there is what we all want, but coordinators, position coaches, it doesn’t matter. As long as we have the right guys in the locker room and those foundation guys on offense, on defense — you can roll anyone in there to call the plays.”

He added, “At the end of the day, it’s going to be the playmakers who are making those plays on Sundays. As long as we keep our core group and keep everyone there, we’re going to stay in this window of winning.”

While it’s certainly a good point that the guys on the field are the ones carrying out plays and making wins happen, it’s surprising to see Hutchinson be so forthright about it. Some NFL analysts have noted Hutchinson’s remarks, too, and are a bit taken back by his unexpected statements.

“Hutchinson said it doesn’t matter who the Lions have calling plays on either side of the ball (or as position coaches), and he might be right. But there are ways to say that beyond those exact words, and ways not to,” noted NFL analyst and expert Brad Berreman of SideLion Report in a February 22 feature. “Once again, you’d think someone who’s had some level of media training going back to his college career would be able to choose his words better in a public forum.”

Aidan Hutchinson and Myles Garrett

Also on the episode, Hutchison said that he would love getting Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett on the Lions’ squad, although he admitted that it was a long shot, given the Browns don’t seem to want to give him up.

“I mean…if me and Myles were to pair up, that would be deadly,” Hutchinson said. “I was talking to him…at [the NFL Honors] and we were just talking about what could be.”

He added, “And although it’s probably unlikely… I would be thrilled to play next to him if it were to happen. Our whole D-line would be just totally elevated and…that’d be a scary defensive line.”

Last season, Hutchinson and Garrett were No. 1 and No. 2 in Pro Football Focus’ pass-rushing grades.

JUST IN: Lions HC Dan Campbell May Have Just Facilitated and Aid In Myles Garret Trade With this Shocking Announcement/ Decision

In a surprising turn of events, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell may have just played a key role in facilitating a potential blockbuster trade involving Cleveland Browns star pass rusher Myles Garrett.

Sources close to the situation suggest that Campbell’s latest announcement regarding the Lions’ defensive line could have ripple effects across the NFL, possibly setting the stage for Detroit to be involved in trade discussions for the three-time All-Pro defensive end.

Campbell’s Bold Decision Raises Eyebrows

Dan Campbell Snubbed for NFL Coach of the Year

During a press conference earlier today, Campbell made a stunning declaration that the Lions are actively seeking to bolster their defensive front. While he didn’t name specific targets, he emphasized the team’s commitment to adding a dominant force to their pass rush.

“We’re always looking to improve, and if there’s an opportunity to get a guy who can impact the game at a high level, we’re going to explore it,” Campbell stated. “Nothing is off the table.”

That statement alone sent shockwaves through the league, but speculation intensified when reports emerged that the Browns have been quietly fielding calls regarding Garrett’s availability. Cleveland, facing cap space concerns and looking to retool certain areas of the roster, could be willing to listen to offers for the former Defensive Player of the Year finalist.

Could Detroit Be in the Mix?

Lions have good reason to be torn about a possible Myles Garrett trade

The Lions have already established themselves as an NFC powerhouse, and adding a player of Garrett’s caliber would instantly elevate their Super Bowl aspirations. While no formal trade discussions have been confirmed, insiders believe Detroit has the draft capital and assets to make a compelling offer should Cleveland decide to move on from their franchise pass rusher.

With the NFL offseason heating up and free agency looming, Campbell’s latest remarks could be a subtle indication that the Lions are preparing for something major. Whether that involves Garrett remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Detroit is ready to make noise, and Campbell isn’t afraid to shake things up.

Aidan Hutchinson Reveals ‘Scary’ Detroit Lions Possibility

Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is talking about a “scary” scenario for the team’s defense next season.
The Detroit Lions are knee-deep into offseason moves, and there’s plenty of discussion among NFL analysts, experts and the powers at the franchise about what they can do to bolster their lineup and hopefully get to the Super Bowl next season. One of the team’s focuses is on strengthening their defensive line, which has a standout in Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson.

Seeing that the Lions’ offense is fairly strong and set, eyes are on the defense, including making sure Hutchinson is healthy and ready to go, along with the other 13 players on injured reserve at the end of the season. Now, Hutchinson is speaking about about the team’s defense and what he would love to see for next season.

Aidan Hutchinson Talks Detroit Lions Defense
During the NFL Honors event during Super Bowl week, Hutchinson was seen talking with Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett, who asked for a trade at the end of last season. Hutchinson was asked about that meeting this week and had a lot to say about what a possible Garrett-Hutchison lineup could look like.

Hutchinson talked about his conversation with Garrett during an interview on “The Squeeze” podcast with Tay and Taylor Lautner. On the show, he revealed that he and Garrett were discussing how great they would be as players together.

“I mean…if me and Myles were to pair up, that would be deadly,” Hutchinson said on the February 19 episode. “I was talking to him…at [the NFL Honors] and we were just talking about what could be. And although it’s probably unlikely… I would be thrilled to play next to him if it were to happen. Our whole D-line would be just totally elevated and…that’d be a scary defensive line.”

That would be “scary” for other teams, of course. The pressure these players would put on quarterbacks would be intense, to say the least. Last season, Hutchinson and Garrett were No. 1 and No. 2 in Pro Football Focus’ pass-rushing grades, and they’ve both proven themselves, although Hutchison’s season was cut short due to injury. It would be a dream scenario for the Detroit Lions.

Browns Star Reached Out to Hutchinson After Injury
Hutchinson also said that Garrett reached out to him after he was injured last season, which was a classy touch.

“I think I’ve seen him these last few years at different things,” Hutchinson said. “He texted me after I got hurt which, I don’t know, it was just a cool thing… I think he’s a good dude and if he does [join the Detroit Lions], great. But I don’t know. We’ll see. But that would be awesome.”

So, Hutchinson likes the idea, but he also says it’s “probably unlikely” that this match made in heaven will happen. After all, on Thursday, February 19, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said that the Cleveland Browns are still a “hard no” on trading Garrett despite his trade request.

“The stance is still hard no. I checked on that this morning,” Fowler said on SportsCenter via Bleacher Report. “They have no plans to trade him. That’s been their sentiment since he made the trade request a few weeks ago.”

Lions Predicted to Add Edge Rusher After ‘Monster’ Season

The good news for the Detroit Lions keeps coming. Not only did they notch a Chicago Bears win, but they have more to celebrate.

The Detroit Lions struggled to establish a consistent pass rush after star Aidan Hutchinson went down with a fractured leg in October, with no other player able to fill the void.

The Lions could try to solve that problem in the offseason, with one outlet predicting the team will add a defensive end who showed off his skills in a “monster” college season. Though the Lions have tried to add a consistent counterpart to Hutchinson since he joined the team as a first-round draft pick in 2022, their efforts have failed to produce anyone who can consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Lions Grab First-Team All-SEC Star in Mock Draft

Fox Sports predicted the Lions would use their No. 28 overall pick on Texas A&M defensive end Nic Sourton, who is coming off an all-conference season. The report noted that Scourton had a bit of a dip in production after transferring to the Aggies, but showed off his abilities at a previous college stop.

“Scourton had a monster season at Purdue in 2023, recording 10 sacks with 50 total tackles,” the report noted. “While his production decreased after transferring to the SEC, he still managed five sacks and finished as a First Team All-SEC selection and ended his collegiate career with 109 total tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 17 sacks and three forced fumbles. He’d be a great addition and impact player on a Lions defense that saw several injuries in the front seven last year.”

The Lions struggled on defense after Hutchison broke his leg in a win over the Dallas Cowboys. No other player came close to reaching his 7.5 sacks through the first five games of the season, with defensive lineman Za’Darius Smith finishing second on the team with 4.0 sacks and Alim McNeill adding 3.5. No other player had more than three sacks on the season.

The Lions saw their Super Bowl aspirations come crashing down in the playoffs in large part due to their defense, which gave up 45 points to the Washington Commanders in a divisional-round loss.

Lions Must Navigate Other Changes

The Lions will have some other major changes to navigate in the coming year, including the departure of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to become the new head coach of the New York Jets.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters in January that he aims to keep a sense of continuity on defense, though said there could be some small changes along the way.

“No, I don’t see philosophy changing,” Campbell said, via the Detroit Free Press. “No, I think what we are is what we are, and we’ve been that way since I’ve been here.

“So, does that mean a couple of things get tweaked? A couple of things will get tweaked, just the nature of new coordinators if that happens because you want it to be kind of their flavor, their style with it, but yet, what I want is what we’re going to do, and what we’re about and what (Jared) Goff’s about.”

The Lions were able to find their new defensive coordinator from within the staff, promoting linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to the role.