How The Myles Garrett Trade Has Affected Lions' 2026 Potential Comeback Run?
Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is all smiles as he jogs back inside before a game, Dec. 21, 2025, in Cleveland.
Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is all smiles as he jogs back inside before a game, Dec. 21, 2025, in Cleveland.
The Cleveland Browns just reshaped the NFC landscape by trading Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. This seismic move forces the Detroit Lions to rethink their Super Bowl path.
While the Lions entered the season as Super Bowl contenders, the arrival of a record-breaking pass rusher like Garrett in the NFC complicates their path.
"Garrett’s arrival in Los Angeles immediately elevates the Rams’ championship hopes and could have a direct impact on Detroit’s path through the NFC playoff race," wrote Richard Knight of Detroit Sports Nation, addressing the issue.
The Cleveland Browns traded DE Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) celebrates as he begins his chase for the NFL sack record after sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) during the second half of an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Sept. 7, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) celebrates as he begins his chase for the NFL sack record after sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) during the second half of an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Sept. 7, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Detroit's roster remains talented on both sides of the ball, but the margin of error has become smaller. Garrett's presence makes the Rams a formidable obstacle for Detroit.
The Defensive Player of the Year has earned seven Pro Bowl selections, five First-Team All-Pro honors, two AP Defensive Player of the Year awards, and recorded 125.5 career sacks, 293 solo tackles, and 23 forced fumbles in nine seasons.
Adding Garrett's elite talent to the Rams' defense makes Los Angeles a legitimate championship threat.
Lions fans spent months debating whether GM Brad Holmes should make a move for Garrett when trade rumors started, as per Detroit Sports Nation. However, the All-Pro edge rusher is entering another NFC opponent's team.
Now, the question arises: Do the Lions need to make more additions to elevate the team, considering the Garrett trade?
NFL Insider Suggests Lions May Need Bigger Moves Now
The Myles Garrett trade has drastically changed the NFC landscape, strengthening the conference rivalry and now sparking debates about whether Detroit should be more aggressive in pursuing talent.
Including Garrett would have required a significant package of assets for the Lions. The Rams parted with pass rusher Jared Verse and multiple draft picks to secure Garrett.
Detroit relies heavily on a young core featuring Jahmyr Gibbs (RB), Brian Branch (S), and Sam LaPorta (TE). It would have been difficult for the Lions to sweeten the deal and add another first-round high draft pick, which would again need some salary cap adjustments.
However, this doesn't mean that the Dan Campbell-led Lions couldn't be more aggressive. Mike Payton, NFL analyst, suggests the Lions should continue to target depth and rotational players in free agency to solidify their roster, focusing on edge pass rush and safety, as reported by A to Z Sports.
What are your views on the Myles Garrett trade? Let us know in the comments!
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Written by
Hetal Moleshri
Edited by
Rudra Dubey