Myles Garrett and Aidan Hutchinson: A Dreamy Partnership on the Horizon
In the aftermath of the Cleveland Browns’ disappointing season, star pass rusher Myles Garrett dropped a bombshell by requesting a trade. This revelation sent shockwaves throughout the NFL landscape, fueling speculation about his potential destinations. Among those clamoring for Garrett’s services is Detroit Lions rising star, Aidan Hutchinson.
During a recent appearance on The Squeeze podcast, Hutchinson couldn’t resist envisioning a partnership with the former Defensive Player of the Year. "If me and Myles were to pair up, that would be deadly," Hutchinson said with palpable excitement.
Hutchinson and Garrett had a brief encounter at the NFL Honors ceremony, where they discussed the tantalizing possibilities that their tandem could unlock. "We were talking about what could be," Hutchinson revealed.
The Lions have emerged as a potential landing spot for Garrett, as their Super Bowl window remains ajar. With the 10th-most salary cap space in the league entering the 2023 offseason, Detroit possesses the financial flexibility to make a bold move.
However, acquiring Garrett would not come without its challenges. The Lions have several key starters, including cornerback Carlton Davis and right guard Kevin Zeitler, set to hit free agency. Moreover, Hutchinson himself is eligible for an extension.
Finding the financial equilibrium to accommodate Hutchinson, Garrett, and the potential draft capital required to trade for the latter could prove to be a complex undertaking. Hutchinson acknowledged this reality, conceding that such a partnership is "probably unlikely."
Despite the practical hurdles, Hutchinson couldn’t help but wax lyrical about the transformative impact Garrett would have on Detroit’s defense. "Our whole D-line would be totally elevated," Hutchinson gushed. "We would, whew, that’d be a scary defensive line."
Beyond the on-field benefits, Hutchinson believes Garrett would seamlessly integrate into the Lions’ locker room. "I’ve seen him these last few years at different things," Hutchinson said. "He texted me after I got hurt – it was just a cool thing. Guys outside of your own team who reach out to you, so I think he’s a good dude."
While Hutchinson remains uncertain whether the Lions will ultimately acquire Garrett, he can’t shake off the tantalizing vision of Cleveland’s top talent gracing the Motor City. "If he does, great, but I don’t know," Hutchinson said. "Well see. But that would be awesome."
Pros and Cons of a Myles Garrett Trade to the Lions
Pros:
- Elite Pass Rushing Duo: Hutchinson and Garrett would form one of the most formidable pass-rushing tandems in the NFL, creating havoc for opposing quarterbacks and providing the Lions with a significant advantage on defense.
- Improved Defensive Line Depth: Garrett’s arrival would elevate the Lions’ entire defensive line, making it one of the most dominant units in the league. This would allow Detroit to rotate their linemen more effectively, keeping them fresh and productive throughout the game.
- Potential Super Bowl Contention: By adding Garrett to a young and talented roster, the Lions would become immediate contenders for the Super Bowl. Their defense would be among the league’s elite, while their offense has shown flashes of brilliance.
Cons:
- High Acquisition Cost: Acquiring Garrett would likely require a significant package of draft capital, potentially depleting Detroit’s future resources. This could limit the Lions’ ability to address other roster needs in the coming years.
- Financial Constraints: As mentioned earlier, accommodating Garrett’s salary and Hutchinson’s extension could strain the Lions’ salary cap. This could force Detroit to make difficult decisions regarding other roster members.
- Chemistry Concerns: While Hutchinson believes Garrett would fit in well with the Lions, there’s always the risk that the two personalities may not mesh. If there were any underlying issues, it could potentially disrupt the team’s chemistry on the field.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to pursue Garrett is a complex one that the Lions must weigh carefully. The potential rewards are immense, but the risks cannot be ignored. If Detroit can overcome the financial and logistical hurdles, a partnership between Hutchinson and Garrett could transform their defense and propel them into the ranks of the NFL’s elite.
