Myles Garrett formally requested a trade out of Cleveland yesterday, and many Lions fans want to see him in Detroit. Is that a realistic possibility? Lets break it down.

CAPITAL:

First off, let’s talk capital. What will it actually take for Cleveland to move Garrett? Well, he is the reigning Defensive Player Of The Year, was 2nd in sacks this year, and is only 29. All of that likely points to it taking multiple first round picks to acquire Garrett. The Browns GM remains adamant that he won’t be trading Garrett, but that feels like he’s just driving the price up. Garrett will be a highly sought after player, as the last time a player of this caliber requested a trade it was Khalil Mack, and Chicago gave up 2 1sts, a 3rd, and a 6th for Mack, a 2nd, and conditional 5th. Mack was 2 years younger at the time, so there likely won’t be as much capital in this trade. It will likely be a bidding war for Garrett though, as every NFL team should have some interest. Not only that though, as Garrett will likely want a new contract. The Lions already have to pay Aidan Hutchinson this off-season, likely making him the top paid edge in football. To sum it up, you’re giving up a minimum of 2 1st round picks, as well as north of $30 million per year. That’s a lot of honey.

ON FIELD IMPACT:

Now, lets talk about what really matters; his on field impact. This one can’t be overstated, as Garrett is a top 3 edge in football, and you could argue he is in that top 10 of all defensive players. He impacts the game just that much. Whether it be getting to the quarterback off the edge, or stopping and containing the run, Garrett is the best of the best. He has 102.5 career sacks, only having one season without double digits, which was his rookie season. He is a force off the edge, he may not be a 20 sack season guy, but the way he commands doubles, and play callers to know where he is at all times, shows his impact more than stats. He is an elite physical specimen, who combines elite strength and athleticism. Putting him on this defensive line immediately makes it the best in the NFL, by far. Garrett-Reader-McNeil-Hutchinson is easily the best unit in the sport. Propelling the defense to an elite level in its entirety. This would 100% make the Lions the Super Bowl favorites over the off-season. You can’t double everyone, which would lead to constant pressure on the QB. Hutch and McNeil already give teams fits, adding Garrett to that mix would make this defensive line an All-Time unit. Combining this offense with that defense would make magic in Motown. But is that worth giving up everything we would have to give?

CONTRACT ISSUES:

The biggest problem for me is not the draft picks, I’d be fine giving up 2 late 1sts for an elite defender. However, what I’m not willing to do is let our guys walk on top of it. Really, this is the killer for this plan. Aidan Hutchinson, Kerby Joseph, and Jameson Williams are all up for a new contact very soon. If you trade for Myles, and give him that huge deal, you cannot afford 1 or 2 of those guys. You obviously have to keep Aidan, as the idea is to pair Myles with Aidan, not replace him. That means one or both of Jameson Williams and Kerby Joseph must go. I don’t like the idea of either guy going anywhere, plus giving the picks would mean we don’t have the capital to replace them right away. Essentially, this trade would be awesome, but would open up holes elsewhere.

SUMMARY:

Myles Garrett is an amazing player, who I would love to see in Detroit. However, the capital needed, on top of money, is just too much for me. Maybe if he was 26 and just signed a new deal (Maxx Crosby) I’d be more willing. It just seems like robbing Peter to pay Paul. The Lions could also get a very good defensive lineman with the 28th pick come April. The only way I do this trade is if he can be had for less, and doesn’t need a new deal. I would give up 1 first as long as he will play out his current deal. He has 2 years left at about $20 million per year, that’s much more manageable, and likely makes it so we can keep Jamo and Kerby. Outside of that, I just think this trade is unfortunately out of the realm of possibility for the Lions.

PREDICTION:

I believe Myles will definitely be traded, where is the real question. If I had to bet, I would say Washington. They have the picks, and the money to do it. They recently traded away Chase Young and Montez Sweat, making a huge hole on the edge of their defense. However, they had no idea they’d end up with Jayden Daniels getting them a playoff win as a rookie, let alone taking them to the NFC Championship game. I see them as the most willing, and needy of the group. Adding Myles would transform their defense, who was one of the worst against the run last year. Imagine, they had the season they did without a legit pass rusher. If not Washington, I could see Atlanta, Buffalo, Chicago, or maybe San Francisco. Either way, wherever he lands will be getting much better. Stay tuned. This trade could change the landscape of the NFL.