Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum presented a surprising Jameson Williams trade proposal involving the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns during a recent media appearance. He proposed that Detroit trade wide receiver Jameson Williams along with two first-round draft picks to Cleveland in exchange for star defensive end Myles Garrett. This unexpected deal came amid Detroit’s efforts to rebuild after missing the playoffs with a 9-8 record in the previous season.
Trade Details and Strategic Reasoning Behind the Proposal
Tannenbaum made these remarks on the show Get Up, emphasizing the long-term plan for both teams. He suggested that the Lions, led by young talent such as Aidan Hutchinson, could make a Super Bowl push by acquiring Garrett, who would strengthen their pass rush significantly. Conversely, Cleveland, which needs offensive weapons to improve, would benefit from adding Williams and additional first-round selections to jump-start their rebuild.
He stated,
“If you’re the Lions, you go to the Super Bowl with Aidan Hutchinson and,”
followed by,
“If you’re the Browns.you need so many weapons. Two first-round picks and a young, explosive player… I’d do that to start the massive rebuild.”
Reiterating the Proposal on ESPN Radio
Tannenbaum reiterated the trade idea during a Monday appearance on ESPN Radio’s Unsportsmanlike. He reflected on the Browns’ performance despite Garrett’s presence and explained why trading him now could be advantageous.
“If the four of us were running the Browns, I would trade Myles Garrett. He’s a great player. He’s a Hall of Fame player. But, we stunk with him, right,”
he said. He added,
“We are a year away from being a year away. Why not get as many (picks) as you can.”
Referring to the proposed swap, he remarked,
“The trade I said was, ‘Why not trade him to Detroit for two ones and Jameon Williams.’ Like, who says no to that. Who says no to that.”
Potential Impact of the Trade for Detroit’s Super Bowl Aspirations
While acknowledging the challenge of parting with an explosive offensive player, Tannenbaum argued the Lions are close to establishing a championship-contending roster.
“If I am Detroit, I feel like I am one pass rusher away from meaningfully competing for the Super Bowl,”
he noted. He highlighted the value Myles Garrett would add alongside Aidan Hutchinson, comparing the setup to iconic NFL teams that combined strong defensive pressure with a dynamic offense.
Tannenbaum referenced the legacy of Bill Walsh’s San Francisco teams, saying,
“the whole idea the way Bill Walsh created that dynasty in San Francisco was have a great passing game, great fourth-quarter pass rushers and the ability to run the football when they have to. We know they can score, we know they can run the ball. They have a pass rusher. Go get another difference-maker.”
What This Could Mean for Both Teams Moving Forward
This trade proposal shifts attention to Detroit’s offseason strategy as they seek to capitalize on a favorable schedule in 2026 and make a deep playoff run. Cleveland would gain valuable young talent and draft capital to support its rebuilding efforts. The conversation stirred by Tannenbaum underscores the difficult decisions teams face balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term growth in the NFL.
Bold trade idea @UnSportsESPN @DetroitPodcast pic.twitter.com/UbajbMNprG
— Detroit Lions On SI (@AllLionsFN) March 2, 2026
