Browns star Myles Garrett named trade target to replace DPOY leader

Heavy on Browns

Browns star Myles Garrett was traded to the Lions as a trade target.

The Cleveland Browns have struggled with a 1-5 start this season, sparking a wave of trade speculation. One of the most surprising rumors making the rounds is that Myles Garrett may be dealt to the Detroit Lions.

The Lions lost star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a broken leg in a blowout win against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. He had an NFL-high 7.5 sacks and was the betting favorite for Defensive Player of the Year before the injury.

Hutchinson is likely out for the remainder of the year and the Lions have championship aspirations. Detroit is 4-1 and one of the top contenders in the NFC.

ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky urged the Lions to call the Browns to see what it would take to land either Garrett or his pass rush partner Za'Darius Smith.

“I think you call the Cleveland Browns and ask how much it would take to get Myles Garrett or Za'Darius Smith,” Orlovsky continued NFL Live on Monday.

Browns DE Za'Darius Smith more logical trade target for Lions

The suggestion that the Browns trade Garrett sparked a reaction from the rest of the panel, and rightly so. Garrett is a generational talent who was named Defensive Player of the Year for the first time. Even if the team suffers an abysmal finish this year, Garrett – who is just 28 years old – would be part of any “rebuild.” Cleveland has Garrett under contract through the 2026 season.

Smith makes much more sense as a potential trade target. After a solid first season in Cleveland, he signed a two-year, $23 million contract with the Browns this offseason. Smith has three sacks this year, second only to Garrett (4). He added 11 tackles and two for a loss.

“You have to make sure Za'Darius is as ready to play the run as Aidan is,” Orlovsky said.

Another intriguing name linked to the Lions is Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby. Orlovsky encouraged the Lions to go all-in, insisting they do whatever it takes to get the dynamic pass rusher.

“I think they’re calling the Raiders for Maxx Crosby,” Orlovsky said. “I don’t care if it costs you a first-round pick – you give it. You are the best team in the NFC.”

Myles Garrett isn't losing faith after the Browns' miserable start

The Browns had a difficult start to the year and struggled on both ends. A 1-5 record is far from ideal, but Garrett is still confident the Browns can recover and get back in the game.

“We have some great leaders in this locker room, including myself,” Garrett said Sunday after their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. “I won’t let these guys give up at any point. We still have a lot of games left, a lot of season left and a lot of AFC games left to keep track of and focus on. So I’m not worried about it.”

The Browns return home on Sunday after three straight road games. Before their bye week, Cleveland will play three straight home games, including two division games against the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens.

JR DeGroote covers the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Lakers for Heavy.com. He graduated from Arizona State University and has decades of digital media experience with previous stints at SBNation and Bleacher Report. He has won multiple state, regional and national awards for sports reporting and photography. More about JR DeGroote