The Cleveland Browns and star edge rusher Myles Garrett are locked in a high-stakes game of poker, with Garrett making it clear he wants out. And according to reports, the Buffalo Bills are ready to place their bets.
Garrett, the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has reportedly requested a trade, looking to join a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Despite the Browns’ efforts to discuss a more lucrative contract, the 29-year-old pass rusher has declined, signaling his intent to move on.
Buffalo has never been shy about making big moves for defensive stars.
In 2022, they signed veteran Von Miller to a massive six-year, $120 million deal, hoping his Super Bowl-winning experience would propel them to the next level. That plan never fully materialized – but the Bills might be ready to try again.
According to NFL insider Tony Pauline, Buffalo is preparing to make an offer for Garrett.
“I mentioned the Buffalo Bills as a team targeting edge rusher Preston Smith several days ago. I’m told the Bills will also put in a bid for Myles Garrett in the hopes they could pry the pass rusher away from the Cleveland Browns. Garrett has requested a trade from the team,” Pauline reported.
Garrett, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, is coming off another dominant season, recording 14 sacks and an NFL-best 22 tackles for loss.
He has notched double-digit sacks and tackles-for-loss in seven consecutive seasons, cementing himself as one of the league’s premier pass rushers.
While Garrett’s talent is unquestioned, any team acquiring him would need to navigate a few hurdles.
The six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro has dealt with some foot issues, which could require medical clearance. Additionally, his contract situation could complicate negotiations, as he may seek an extension from his next team.
If the Bills were to land Garrett, he would immediately elevate a defense that finished 11th in the NFL in points allowed last season.
Buffalo’s defense was solid, but no player recorded double-digit sacks. Gregory Rousseau led the team with eight sacks and 16 tackles for loss – numbers that would skyrocket with Garrett lining up alongside him.
A potential Rousseau-Garrett duo would give Buffalo one of the league’s most feared pass-rushing tandems, making their reported bid for Garrett more than just wishful thinking – it’s a calculated move that could pay massive dividends in their Super Bowl quest.
Bills fans (and the rest of the NFL) may not want to hear it, but The Athletic’s Dianna Russini made it clear not to count out the Philadelphia Eagles when it comes to the Garrett sweepstakes…
“Garrett could be this year’s version of Saquon Barkley for Howie (Roseman),” an anonymous NFL GM told Russini. “He’s an impact add and isn’t a free-agent overpay. Howie’s not afraid to try stuff, and it fits where they are as a team.”
What are your thoughts on the Garrett situation? … At the end of the day, where do you think he will be playing next season???
