The Detroit Lions came up short in their goal to play in the Super Bowl this season and injuries were a big reason why. The defensive line was one of many areas that were bit by the injury bug as star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and defensive tackle Alim McNeil suffered season-ending injuries and many suggest a solution could be to trade for Myles Garrett.
Garrett requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns on Monday, but Hutchinson threw a bucket of cold water on those dreams when he was asked about acquiring another All-Pro on the defensive line.
ICYMI from last night: Aidan Hutchinson thinks he could have played in the Super Bowl had the Lions been there this week, calls a Myles Garrett trade "very unlikely" for the Lions https://t.co/KLh02ipWBH via @freep
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) February 7, 2025
Aidan Hutchinson Remains Skeptical About Lions Trade for Myles Garrett
Hutchinson was asked about the Lions rumors involving Garrett during the NFL Honors on Thursday night. While the Detroit Free Press’s Dave Birkett highlighted legends such as Michael Strahan and Howie Long have suggested Detroit trade for the 28-year-old, Hutchinson remained skeptical citing the Lions depth along the defensive line.
“Everyone’s asking me about that. I don’t know,” Hutchinson said. “I don’t think – you can’t have that many dudes on one D-Line. I don’t know. Who knows, but I think it’s very unlikely.”
Hutchinson may be trying to keep his expectations low. While Garrett requested a trade, the Browns have been adamant they’re not going to trade their superstar, perhaps leading to an ugly standoff later this summer. It’s also notable that Hutchinson and Lions quarterback Jared Goff were seen talking to Garrett later on Thursday night.
But Hutchinson may be wrong when it comes to his “too many dudes” philosophy on the defensive line. While key defenders Alex Anzalone (broken forearm) and Carlton Davis III (fractured jaw) also suffered injuries, the Lions' defensive line lost some of its punch when Hutchinson, McNeil and Marcus Davenport went on the shelf.
With starter Levi Onwuzurike and Davenport scheduled to become free agents, adding another defensive lineman makes sense – especially when considering the upside of acquiring Garrett.
While Hutchinson doesn’t believe it’s possible, it doesn’t mean that Brad Holmes won’t at least make the call. If they’re able to pull off a blockbuster, it could give the Lions the depth they didn’t have in the trenches a year ago and help them make a push toward reaching the Super Bowl next season.