The Los Angeles Rams sent shockwaves across the NFL when they traded for star pass rusher Myles Garrett. Among those who were shocked by the trade was Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph.

Shortly after reports had surfaced about the trade, the Detroit Times shared the trade announcement on social media. The post highlighted the move, which significantly altered the NFC playoff picture. However, Joseph’s response quickly caught attention.

The Lions safety replied with a reaction image of television host Steve Harvey, who had a bewildered expression. The simple reaction was able to capture what many Lions fans were feeling after the trade.

Garrett’s arrival gives the Rams another elite talent as the franchise continues to push for a championship with Matthew Stafford.

The former Browns DE is a perennial Defensive Player of the Year, having won it in 2023 and in 2025. He’s also a five-time First-Team All-Pro and has been selected to the Pro Bowl seven times in his career.

Joseph’s reaction just highlights the respect that NFL players have for the impact that Garrett brings. But what if Garrett had joined the Lions instead?

The Lions Could Have Moved For Garrett, But Didn’t

When news broke out about the Rams having finalized a trade for Myles Garrett, fans have been asking as to why the Lions did not make the move themselves. Now, Richard Knight of Detroit Sports Nation has explained why the Lions did not make the move.

“The Rams paid an enormous price to land Myles Garrett. And that’s exactly why the Lions were never a realistic destination. To beat what Los Angeles offered, Detroit likely would have needed to part with assets that Brad Holmes simply values too highly,” Knight wrote June 1.

He added how general manager Brad Holmes would not have traded due to the fact that the Lions had Aidan Hutchinson, who was the kind of player that Holmes would prefer to build around.

He also mentioned how the financial aspect of it simply would not make sense with many players already having long-term contracts.

“The acquisition cost was likely too high, the financial commitment was enormous, and the Lions were never going to part with Aidan Hutchinson to make it happen,” Knight added.

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore