Should the Detroit Lions Trade for Myles Garrett? The One Player They Might Have to Give Up

A Weekend Discussion Sparks a Bold Trade Idea

Over the weekend, while remodeling my kitchen with my brother-in-law, we found ourselves deep in an unexpected football discussion. The topic? Whether the Detroit Lions should make a blockbuster trade for Cleveland Browns’ star defensive end, Myles Garrett. His immediate question was: Who could the Lions trade to make it happen?

At first glance, I don’t believe the Lions would need to include a player in the deal. If they were to make a move for Garrett, it would likely be centered around draft picks. However, the conversation got me thinking—if Detroit had to include a player to push the deal over the edge, who would that be?

Sam LaPorta: The Only Realistic Trade Piece

When considering a trade for a player of Myles Garrett’s caliber, it’s not about offering a depth piece or a rotational player. The Browns—or any team considering moving a superstar—would demand serious value in return.

Looking at Detroit’s roster, there are certain players who are simply untouchable. Defensively, Aidan Hutchinson, Brian Branch, and Kerby Joseph are foundational pieces. Offensively, Jared Goff is locked in as the franchise quarterback, and the team wouldn’t consider moving key weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown or Jameson Williams. The running game and offensive line are also crucial to the team’s identity.

That leaves one name: Sam LaPorta.

The idea of trading LaPorta is painful, but if the Lions were forced to part with an impact player, he is the one piece they could move without completely dismantling their offensive identity.

Why LaPorta Makes Sense in a Hypothetical Trade

LaPorta has been phenomenal since entering the league. He’s not just a security blanket for Goff—he’s a dynamic weapon who stretches the field and creates mismatches against defenses. However, if the Lions had an opportunity to acquire a generational pass rusher like Myles Garrett, they might have to at least consider making the sacrifice.

From a roster-building standpoint, losing LaPorta wouldn’t be ideal, but it wouldn’t cripple the team either. The Lions could explore options in free agency or the draft to fill the tight end position while maintaining their high-powered offense. Additionally, moving LaPorta would free up significant future cap space. He’s on a rookie deal now, but in a few years, he’s likely to reset the market for tight ends.

Not Advocating a Trade, Just Exploring the Reality

Let me be clear—I am not advocating for the Lions to trade LaPorta. If I were Detroit’s front office, I’d do everything possible to acquire Garrett without including any players. However, in the scenario where Cleveland demands an impact player in return, LaPorta is the only realistic option.

It would still be a painful move, but perhaps the least devastating one in the grand scheme of things.

What Do Lions Fans Think?

This is the kind of trade scenario that sparks passionate debate. Would you be willing to part with LaPorta to bring in a game-changing defensive force like Myles Garrett? Or should the Lions avoid this kind of deal altogether and keep their core intact?

One thing is certain—Detroit is in a position where they can make bold moves. Whether or not Myles Garrett is part of their future remains to be seen.