Photo Credit: AP Photo/David Zalubowski.

Super Bowl 59 has come and gone, and the Eagles absolutely dominated Kansas City in the big game. Jalen Hurts won the MVP award, but we all saw who the true MVP was: the Eagles defensive line. Patrick Mahomes was sacked 6 times, and at one point was sacked 4 plays in a row. He also threw 2 interceptions in the first half, one of them Cooper Dejean returned for a touchdown. It was likely the play that broke the game wide open, making it 17-0 in the 2nd quarter. The constant pressure on Mahomes was the difference maker, similar to the last time Mahomes lost in the Super Bowl against Tampa Bay. A lot of people are taking this as a reason the Lions HAVE TO trade for Myles Garrett, “winning is built through the trenches.” But we all knew that already. I find it kind of odd that everyone is saying this after the Eagles did what they did, when we already know that’s how winning happens. Recency bias I guess.

The Eagles, however, are proof that making a Myles Garrett like move is probably not the best way to do it. Their entire defensive line was drafted by them originally. Josh Sweat was a 4th round pick in 2018, Milton Williams was a 3rd round pick in 2021, Jordan Davis was the 13th pick in 2022, Nolan Smith was the 30th pick in 2023, and Jalen Carter was picked 9th in 2023. This shows to me the Lions should follow that train of thought and build through the draft. It helps that this defensive line class is extremely deep. Whether it be true edge defenders or nose tackles, this draft has it all. Obviously, adding a player of Garrett’s caliber would be awesome, but there are some problems with it as well. Not only do you have to give up a haul of multiple picks, you have to pay him. The Lions would essentially have to give up a minimum of 2 1st round picks, and one of Jameson Williams or Kerby Joseph. Myles Garrett is due $20 million over the next 2 years, but he will likely want a new deal from his new team. The Lions also have to pay Aidan Hutchinson this off-season. We would essentially be paying $70 million per year on 2 defensive ends, which is a bit much for me at that position. The Lions have a projected $56.7 million this off-season, which sounds like a lot, but it will be lower once we re-sign Hutch, and hopefully Carlton Davis. If the trade was proposed as 2 1st round picks, and All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph, would you do that? I hope the answer is no. Hindsight is always 20/20, and just because the Eagles dominated doesn’t mean we have to mortgage the future to do the same.

Myles Garrett would be an awesome addition to the Lions, don’t get me wrong. But, the Eagles are not the best comparison for the Lions. I personally believe that pressure from the interior is more valuable when facing an elite Quarterback. If the pressure is coming from the edge, the QB can step up in the pocket and still deliver a pass. If it’s coming from the interior, he is forced to scramble, leave the pocket, and likely run right into an edge player. Interior pressure makes it hard for even the best of the best. It also helps stop the run, as having elite interior defensive linemen makes it much harder to execute inside runs. The Eagles pressure mostly came from the interior, even if the edges got the sacks, the interior made it happen. The Lions adding Garrett would be similar in terms of high level defensive line, but the way it works would be different.

On top of that, the Lions are losing a decent amount of depth on the defensive line this off-season, which is just another reason to go there early and often in April. The right way to build a team is through the draft. Free Agency is meant for those last few pieces, which would make sense for the Lions to try and add a pass rusher there as well. Khalil Mack comes to mind, as he is older, but is still somewhat productive. He also will want a 1 year deal, which would keep the addition from impacting our cap in the future. There are other edges available as well. Josh Sweat, Matt Judon, Chase Young, Baron Browning, Demarcus Lawrence, Charles Omenihu, Azeez Ojulari and more come to mind. Obviously these guys aren’t Myles Garrett, but a top 5 player at that position doesn’t generally hit the open market. There are many different angles to take, with different styles of players. I believe the Lions are better off adding some pieces in Free Agency, and drafting defensive line early.

However, if somehow Garrett could be had for less, and lets say he doesn’t need a new deal, I am much more interested. I doubt that will be the case, unless Garrett decides Detroit is the only place he wants to be, which I also highly doubt. It is possible though, as Myles feels like he fits the future, and obviously the Lions are built to win right now. Garrett wants to go where he can win, and be paid. I also don’t see the Browns trading him for less than a 1st round pick plus.

With all of that said, I wouldn’t be mad if Brad makes the decision either way. I understand the thought process of, “players of this caliber don’t become available often.” I also don’t personally think it would be a good idea for the future, but winning a Super Bowl is the entire point, and Garrett would likely move the needle quite a bit. However Holmes decides to go about this, I am fine with it. It is just a lot of capital to give up. Let’s just hope that, whatever happens, we can stay healthy next season.

Keep an eye out for more content as we go through the off-season! Subscribe so you don’t miss an article.