Star defensive end Myles Garrett has officially requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns, citing his strong desire to compete for a Super Bowl.
The 29-year-old pass rusher, who has been a dominant force since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2017, made the announcement today in a statement.
“As a kid dreaming of the NFL, all I focused on was the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl — and that goal fuels me today more than ever,” Garrett said. “My love for the community of Northeast Ohio and the incredible fanbase of the Cleveland Browns has made this one of the toughest decisions of my life. These past eight years have shaped me into the man that I am today.
“While I’ve loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won’t allow me to be complacent. The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.
“With that in mind, I have requested to be traded from the Cleveland Browns.”
Garrett’s departure request marks a significant shift for the Browns, as the six-time All-Pro (including two Second-Team nods) remains under contract through the 2026 season.
In his career, he has been one of the most feared defenders in the league, winning the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award and recording double-digit sacks in seven consecutive seasons.
This past season, he totaled 14 sacks, 28 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles, and a league-best 22 tackles for loss over 17 games.
With Garrett’s request now public, all eyes turn to how the Browns’ front office will respond.
Just recently, general manager Andrew Berry firmly dismissed any idea of trading Garrett. When asked about the possibility of moving the star edge rusher, Berry stated that he “wouldn’t trade Garrett for two first-round picks.”
Now, with a formal trade request in place, that stance may be tested.
If Cleveland does grant Garrett’s request, the compensation package will undoubtedly be massive. The best comparison may be the 2018 trade that sent Khalil Mack from the Raiders to the Bears in exchange for two first-round picks.
Given Garrett’s consistent production and contract status, a similar – if not larger – return would be expected.
One team that could make a compelling case for Garrett’s services is the Green Bay Packers.
Historically, general manager Brian Gutekunst has been cautious about investing heavily in veteran players, but he recently acknowledged that certain talents justify such a move.
“When you trade a high pick for a veteran player, you’re trading a young, really good contract for a player who’s proven, but probably expensive, so you’re giving up a pick and salary cap space,” Gutekunst recently said.
“You gotta weigh that. If it’s the right player, if you can feel he can be a dynamic player that can change your football team, you gotta consider that, because there’s not many of those guys out there. But you also have to understand what you’re giving up.”
Garrett fits that mold. Pairing him with Rashan Gary in Green Bay would arguably create the most dominant edge-rushing duo in the NFL.
Garrett is currently playing under the five-year, $125 million extension he signed in 2020. He is set to make $19.8 million in 2025 and $25 million in 2026.
While those numbers are below the current market for elite pass rushers, any acquiring team would likely need to offer an extension to reflect his status as one of the NFL’s best defensive players.
At 29, Garrett is still in his prime, making a three- or four-year extension a reasonable move for any team looking to secure an elite pass rusher for years to come.
Other interested teams figure to be the Buffalo Bills, Washington Commanders, Detroit Lions, and San Francisco 49ers.
Of course, when we’re talking about a player of Garrett’s caliber, it’s safe to assume that virtually every team will at least explore the idea of trading for him.
What are your thoughts on Garrett’s trade request? … Assuming Cleveland agrees to move him, where do you think he will end up???
