The Detroit Lions finished the 2025 season at 9-8, a record that keeps them competitive but does not fully satisfy a fan base that has grown used to January football. After back-to-back playoff appearances in recent years, the expectation in Detroit is no longer incremental growth. It’s contention.
Offensively, the foundation remains solid. Jared Goff once again directed one of the NFL‘s top-five units, guiding an attack that consistently moved the ball and protected leads.
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The defense, however, ranked 22nd in points allowed and finished with 39 sacks. Aidan Hutchinson has continued to develop into a premier edge threat, but in a physical NFC North, one consistent pass rusher often is not enough.
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs.
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson tackles Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs.
That reality led to an intriguing suggestion this week. During an appearance on Unsportsmanlike, analyst Mike Tannenbaum proposed that Detroit explore a blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns.
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Tannenbaum floated a package centered around wide receiver Jameson Williams and multiple first-round picks. His reasoning was simple: if Cleveland is not positioned to contend in the near future, moving a future Hall of Famer could accelerate a broader reset.
“I would trade Myles Garrett,” Tannenbaum said. “He’s a great player. Like, he’s a Hall of Fame player, but we stunk with him, right? We are a year away from being a year away… Why not trade him to Detroit for 2 ones and Jameson Williams? Like, who says no to that?”
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Why not trade Myles Garrett to Detroit for two ones and Jameson Williams? @RealTannenbaum thinks the Detroit Lions are one pass rusher away from meaningfully competing for a Super Bowl. https://t.co/FFlFgomCiY pic.twitter.com/mW5gTjEjSX
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE (@UnSportsESPN) March 2, 2026
“If I’m Detroit, I feel like I’m one pass rusher away from meaningfully competing for the Super Bowl. I have great young offensive talent. I would hate to lose any of those guys, but if I had to give up one of those guys to get the best pass rusher of the game, and pair him with Aiden Hutchinson…. we know they can score. We know they could run the ball. They have a pass rusher. Go get another difference maker.”
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Garrett’s production backs the argument. He recorded 23 sacks this past season, the highest single-season total in league history, yet Cleveland stumbled to a 5-12 finish and last place in the AFC North.
Still, there are layers to consider. Garrett signed a four-year, $160 million extension. Trading him would create substantial dead money and signal a dramatic shift. Beyond the numbers, he is not just a star in Cleveland. He is the franchise’s identity.
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