To what extent should the Detroit Lions make an effort to sign Myles Garrett?

The Detroit Lions are entering a pivotal period in their franchise history. As the team looks to improve and strengthen its roster for the future, it is essential for them to evaluate how they can best acquire talent and enhance their roster’s depth. One player that could significantly boost the Lions’ defensive unit is Cleveland Browns’ superstar defensive end, Myles Garrett. With his proven dominance, leadership, and impact on games, Garrett presents a rare opportunity for the Lions to shore up their pass rush and build around a generational talent. This essay will explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of the Detroit Lions pursuing Garrett, evaluating his fit within the team’s current roster, their financial flexibility, their long-term goals, and the broader impact that adding Garrett could have on their franchise.

Overview of Myles Garrett’s Career

Myles Garrett is widely regarded as one of the premier edge rushers in the NFL. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Garrett has rapidly become one of the most dominant defensive players in the league. Throughout his career, he has amassed impressive statistics, including multiple double-digit sack seasons, a Pro Bowl appearance, and All-Pro honors. As of the 2024 season, Garrett has consistently ranked among the league’s best in pressures, sacks, and quarterback hits.

Garrett’s blend of size, speed, and athleticism makes him a rare talent. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 272 pounds, he combines his physical attributes with a relentless motor and high-level technique. His ability to disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm and force turnovers is second to none, and he is often regarded as a game-changer who can alter the course of a contest with his presence alone.

Given his youth (Garrett was born in 1996), it is possible that he could remain an elite player for several more years, especially considering his ability to stay healthy and his relatively low injury history. These factors make him an attractive target for any franchise, particularly one like the Lions, who are looking to bolster their defense and remain competitive in the NFC North.

Detroit Lions’ Current Situation

Before diving into the specifics of whether the Lions should pursue Garrett, it is important to evaluate their current roster and defensive needs. For years, the Lions’ defense has been a weak spot, often ranking near the bottom of the NFL in total defense, run defense, and pass rush. However, the team has made significant strides in recent seasons, particularly with the addition of head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Under Campbell’s leadership, the Lions’ defense has developed into a more aggressive unit, and players like Aidan Hutchinson, a 2022 first-round pick, have shown promise as franchise cornerstones on the defensive line.

Despite the progress made, the Lions still struggle with consistency on defense, especially in terms of generating pressure on the quarterback. In the 2024 season, Detroit ranked 22nd in the league in sacks, and although players like Hutchinson provide a strong foundation, the team lacks a consistent, second-tier pass rusher to complement him. A player like Garrett, with his elite pass-rushing skills, would significantly improve the Lions’ ability to disrupt opposing offenses and could transform the defense from a liability into one of the league’s top units.

Furthermore, Detroit’s defense still faces significant issues in terms of depth, particularly along the defensive line. While Hutchinson shows great potential, and players like Isaiah Buggs and John Cominsky provide solid contributions, the Lions need more help to fill out their front seven. Myles Garrett’s addition would not only provide a dynamic pass rusher but would also allow the Lions to rotate their defensive line more effectively, keeping players fresh throughout the game and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the defense.

Financial Considerations

The Lions’ ability to sign a player of Myles Garrett’s caliber hinges heavily on their financial flexibility. As of the 2024 offseason, the Lions have a relatively healthy salary cap situation, with substantial room to maneuver. While Garrett’s contract (which is currently a five-year, $125 million deal with the Browns) presents a significant financial commitment, the Lions’ cap space would likely be sufficient to accommodate his demands if they were to pursue him.

However, Garrett’s price tag goes beyond just his base salary. The Lions would also need to consider the long-term implications of acquiring such a high-priced player. To sign Garrett, Detroit would likely have to part with several key contributors or rework their existing contracts to create the necessary cap room. Additionally, it is important to account for the potential impact of Garrett’s signing on future free-agent acquisitions and contract extensions for current players. For instance, players like Hutchinson, who will likely need an extension in the coming years, could see their negotiations impacted by Garrett’s contract, potentially pushing the Lions into a situation where they need to manage multiple high-priced contracts at once.

While the Lions’ cap space is currently in a favorable position, the team’s decision to sign Garrett would need to factor in the long-term sustainability of their roster. Myles Garrett’s contract would likely take up a significant portion of their cap space, but this could be justified if they view him as the missing piece to elevate their defense into contention for NFC championships and potentially even a Super Bowl.

Impact on the Defense and Team Culture

Myles Garrett’s potential impact on the Detroit Lions would not just be limited to on-field performance; his presence would likely have broader implications for the team’s culture and locker room dynamics. Known as an intense competitor, Garrett has the kind of leadership qualities that could help foster a more aggressive and focused defensive unit. The Lions, under Campbell’s leadership, are striving to build a culture of toughness and resilience, and Garrett’s mentality would align perfectly with that vision. As a player with a history of setting the tone for his team, Garrett could serve as a mentor for younger players on the defensive line, such as Hutchinson, helping them develop their skills and improve their work ethic.

Moreover, Garrett’s arrival would undoubtedly elevate the play of the players around him. Having an elite edge rusher on one side of the line would take pressure off other pass rushers like Hutchinson and Cominsky, allowing them to thrive in one-on-one matchups. Additionally, his ability to command double teams and consistently collapse the pocket would create more opportunities for linebackers and defensive backs to make plays.

Garrett would also give the Lions’ defense an element of fearlessness and unpredictability that opposing offenses would have to account for. His ability to disrupt plays, sack quarterbacks, and force turnovers would make the Lions’ defense much more dangerous and capable of swinging the momentum of games. This type of game-changing ability would not only improve the Lions’ win-loss record but also inspire confidence in the entire team.

Risks and Considerations

Despite the obvious benefits, there are some potential risks that the Lions must consider before pursuing Myles Garrett. First and foremost is the issue of Garrett’s long-term durability. While Garrett has avoided major injuries in his career, the physical toll of playing at such a high level for an extended period is significant. The Lions would need to weigh the risk of committing a large portion of their cap space to a player who may eventually experience a decline in performance due to injury or age. Additionally, Garrett’s play style, which involves a lot of explosiveness and aggression, could put strain on his body over time.

Furthermore, there is the issue of fit within the Lions’ defensive scheme. While Garrett is an incredibly versatile pass rusher, it is essential for the Lions to ensure that his talents align with their defensive approach. If Garrett were to join the Lions, the team would need to ensure that they have the necessary pieces to maximize his impact. This might mean adjusting their defensive schemes to create more opportunities for Garrett to operate in space and disrupt the quarterback, something that would require careful planning and coordination from the coaching staff.

Lastly, the Lions would need to consider the long-term implications of signing a player like Garrett. The team has made significant progress in recent seasons, but signing Garrett could represent a shift in focus from rebuilding to an all-in push for contention. While this is not inherently a bad thing, the Lions would need to ensure that they are ready to compete at a high level now, rather than delaying their window for success for the sake of a single high-profile acquisition.

The decision to pursue Myles Garrett would be a monumental one for the Detroit Lions. On one hand, Garrett is a generational talent who could provide the Lions with the kind of pass-rushing presence they have lacked for years. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses, force turnovers, and change the course of a game is unparalleled. Additionally, his leadership and intensity would align well with the team’s culture and could help the Lions take the next step in their quest for contention.

However, the decision comes with significant financial and long-term implications. Garrett’s contract would take up a substantial portion of the Lions’ salary cap, potentially limiting their ability to address other needs in free agency. Additionally, the Lions must consider whether their roster and coaching staff are in a position to maximize Garrett’s talents and whether they are ready to compete for championships now.

Ultimately, the Lions should make a strong effort to sign Myles Garrett, but they must carefully weigh the costs and benefits of such a move. If they feel confident that they can build around Garrett and that his addition would push them into legitimate Super Bowl contention, then pursuing him aggressively would be a smart move. However, if they are not yet ready to make such a commitment, they should be cautious and focus on building a more well-rounded roster before making a high-stakes move like this.