Myles Garrett, the star pass rusher for the Cleveland Browns, has requested a trade from the team. In a public statement on Monday, Garrett expressed his desire to compete for a Super Bowl, a goal that has fueled him since childhood. Despite his deep connection to Cleveland and its passionate fanbase, Garrett emphasized that his commitment to winning on the biggest stage outweighs his loyalty to the city. He cited his eight years in Cleveland as instrumental in shaping his career but reaffirmed that his ultimate aim is to win a Super Bowl, not just have a successful individual career.
Garrett’s Accomplishments with the Browns
Garrett has been an essential player for the Browns since they selected him first overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. Over the years, he has become one of the league’s top defensive players, earning numerous accolades, including an NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023. He has consistently delivered impressive numbers, with seven straight seasons of double-digit sacks and a dominant performance in 2024, recording 14 sacks, 28 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles, and a league-leading 22 tackles for loss.
With Garrett’s trade request now public, the Browns are in a difficult position. A team source revealed that they are not currently entertaining offers for the star defensive player. This comes despite earlier statements from Browns’ general manager, Andrew Berry, who firmly indicated that the team would not entertain trading Garrett, even for multiple first-round picks. The situation raises questions about how the Browns will handle the request, especially considering Garrett’s pivotal role in their defense.
Potential Trade Destinations for Garrett
Several teams could be interested in acquiring Garrett, given his elite pass-rushing abilities and favorable contract terms. One possible destination is the Detroit Lions. Despite having Aidan Hutchinson returning from injury, the Lions need additional pass-rushing power, as they ranked among the bottom third of the league in sacks in 2024. With substantial cap space available, Detroit could easily accommodate Garrett’s salary and give him the opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl after securing the top NFC seed in the 2024 season.
Another team that could pursue Garrett is the Washington Commanders. With young quarterback Jayden Daniels leading the team and performing well in the NFC Championship, Washington has significant cap space available. The Commanders could benefit from adding Garrett to their defensive line, enhancing their pass rush. Washington’s defense ranked 14th in pressure rate this season, and Garrett’s addition would likely propel them into the top 10, making them an even more formidable contender in the NFC.
The Las Vegas Raiders could also be a strong contender for Garrett’s services, particularly if they are able to land a solid quarterback. The possibility of pairing Garrett with Maxx Crosby, one of the league’s top pass rushers, would create a fearsome duo. With significant cap space and a new coaching regime under Pete Carroll, the Raiders are in a prime position to overhaul their roster quickly. However, Garrett’s decision could be influenced by the team’s uncertain quarterback situation.
Lastly, two more teams stand out as potential destinations for Garrett: the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots. The Bengals are in need of an elite pass rusher to complement their offensive firepower, and despite potential reservations about trading Garrett within the division, they would be an attractive option for his Super Bowl aspirations. Meanwhile, the Patriots, with the most cap space in the NFL, could offer Garrett both a lucrative deal and a chance to contend for championships under a new coaching regime. Connections between the Browns and Patriots could make this a viable, if unexpected, trade option.