The Detroit Lions are in win-now mode and they would like to win that Super Bowl like, well now. One way they can make sure that they win a Super Bowl would be to trade for former Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.
It’s a big move for sure and it’s one that would make him, Aidan Hutchinson, DJ Reader, and Alim McNeill the most dangerous defensive line in football. Couple that with a strong linebacker corps and a good secondary and this is already pretty good when a healthy Lions defense is the best defense in football. Couple that with the best offense in football and we’re looking at an unstoppable team ready to win it all.
A move like this would not come without sacrifice. It would mean that some players might have to be cut or it could mean that others may not be re-signed. That should have been expected though. The problem with drafting so well over time is that you just can’t keep everyone.
The Lions will have to find a way to sign Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, and Brian Branch to new deals and they’ll have time to figure those out. But with those guys plus Garrett, it’s not going to leave room for everyone.
So with sacrifice on the brain, we put together a list of seven players that the Lions could potentially have to cut or not hold on to once their contract comes up in order to make a move like this happen. Here they are:
Derrick Barnes
Barnes has been a good player for the Lions and he’s started to come along as of late, the problem is that he’s a free agent and he’s going to need a new deal. While he won’t break the bank, he would certainly be more expensive than Trevor Nowaske who filled in for him at the Sam linebacker spot this year. With Nowaske being an RFA, he is a lot cheaper than Barnes would be.
Carlton Davis
You’d love to see Carlton Davis back, but he is likely to get a pretty big contract from wherever he lands. The Lions have Amik Robertson who played very well in 2024, especially on the outside when he replaced Davis. He is already significantly cheaper than Davis is going to be.
Za’Darius Smith
Smith could be a cap casualty whether the Lions get Garrett or not. With void years on his contract, he could cost the Lions over $10 million in 2025. A reunion with Garrett in Detroit makes sense, but he might have to restructure his deal to free up space.
Josh Paschal
Paschal has shown a lot of improvement over time and he’ll be a solid player for the team in 2025, but with Garrett already getting paid and Aidan Hutchinson likely getting his giant deal next year, someone has to be the odd man out and hit free agency. That’s going to have to be Paschal.
Alex Anzalone
Like Paschal, Anzalone isn’t going anywhere soon. He’ll be a part of this team in 2025 and the Lions love the guy. But with Garrett in town, they’ll have to make a choice when it comes time to get Anzalone a new deal. He’ll be 32 years old and you can bet the Lions will look to hold on to the younger Jack Campbell over him at that point. Anzalone would theoretically walk away with a Super Bowl ring though.
Malcolm Rodriguez
I hate it just like you do, but we have to be realistic here. If it came down to it and you had to choose between Rodriguez, and Branch, LaPorta, Campbell, and Gibbs, you’re going with that latter group of guys. Rodriguez will be on this team next year, but if the Lions make this move, they’re not going to be able to bring back everyone. That means he’ll hit free agency after next season.
Kalif Raymond
Another guy that the Lions would be unlikely to bring back for another deal with Garrett on the cap. he’ll be 32 as well when his contract is up after the 2025 season.