During the NFL Combine, it seemed like the idea of the Detroit Lions potentially making a trade for Myles Garrett had been all but ruled out.

At the combine, GM Brad Holmes told reporters that the Lions probably wouldn’t be able to make a move for a star edge rusher because of the contract extension they need to work out for Aidan Hutchinson.

Meanwhile, Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry said that his team has no intention of trading Garrett in spite of his trade request.

It appears the Lions still decided they should check in on the former Defensive Player of the Year’s availability.

According to Lions Wire’s Jeff Risdon, the Lions have called the Browns about Garrett’s availability since he requested to be traded.

It also appears they have been interested in Garrett for a while as ESPN’s Kimberly A. Martin recently reported that the Lions were the team most interested in a potential move for Garrett ahead of this past season’s trade deadline.

The appeal of a move for Garrett is obvious. He is one of the biggest difference makers in the NFL on the defensive side of the ball regardless of position.

He has double-digit sacks in each of the last seven seasons with at least 14 in each of his last four. According to Pro Football Focus, he also led all edge rushers in total pressures with 83 this past season.

The Lions have an obvious need in their pass rush after Hutchinson was the team’s only player with more than four sacks in 2024.

Making the money work would certainly be difficult with Garrett currently among the top five highest-paid edges in the league and wanting a new contract and Hutchinson likely to join him near the top of the list.

However, landing Garrett would give the Lions the most talented edge duo in the NFL.

It still seems very unlikely a deal gets done for Garrett as the Browns haven’t given any sign they want to move him, but maybe the Lions are a bit more interested in a big move than they have publicly indicated.