As 2025 NFL free agency approaches, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett remains one of the top trade prospects on the market, having requested a change of scenery in early February. Aidan Hutchinson knows the Detroit Lions are unlikely to sign him, but that hasn’t stopped him from fantasizing about a possible pass-rushing partnership between the two.
Hutchinson dubbed the Lions’ potential acquisition of Garrett “deadly” on ‘The Squeeze’ podcast, hosted by actor Taylor Lautner and his wife, Taylor ‘Tay’ Lautner. Hutchinson remarked frankly that a player of Garrett’s calibre would “elevate” Detroit’s defensive line and boost the output of both edge rushers.
“If me and Myles teamed up, it would be deadly,” Hutchinson added. “We were at the [NFL Honours show] and were simply discussing what may be. Although it’s unlikely, I’d love to play beside him if it happened. Our entire defensive line would be raised; that would be a terrifying defensive line.
We get along too.”
Hutchinson is coming off a five-game season in 2024 that was cut short by a nasty broken leg. However, prior to the injury, he led the league with 7.5 sacks through Week 5. Hutchinson had already established himself as a top pass rusher in just three years and was on his way to his first All-Pro selection before suffering an injury.
Garrett, one of the most famous defensive ends of the recent decade, recorded his second straight 14-sack season with the Browns in 2024. Garrett’s sixth consecutive double-digit sack season earned him his fourth first-team All-Pro honour.
With Aidan Hutchinson’s upcoming return, what is the Lions’ defensive prognosis in 2025?
Hutchinson will command a new-look Lions defence in 2025, after recovering from his catastrophic injuries. Aaron Glenn, Detroit’s great defensive coordinator, left the team this summer to become the next head coach of the next York Jets. Kelvin Sheppard, the former linebackers coach, will succeed him in 2025.
While Sheppard hopes to maintain Glenn’s rugged style, the majority of the Lions’ defensive talent will enter free agency in March. Most importantly, top cornerback Carlton Davis III’s $14.5 million deal expires, requiring the front management to renegotiate his new terms. Marcus Davenport, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Kindle Vildor, Emmanuel Moseley, and Levi Onwuzurike will join him in unrestricted free agency.
Because of their current cap predicament, the Lions were previously identified as a top contender in the Garrett trade sweepstakes. However, the Browns have a history of making stingy moves. Historically, Cleveland has been reticent to trade its top players to contending clubs. Despite the upheaval in Detroit’s organization, the team has essentially dominated the NFC over the last two years.
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