Last week an unusual name emerged in sports headlines, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who requested a trade. Garrett’s absence leaves a huge void in the Browns’ defense and echoes in the NFL.
Garrett’s Trade Request
On February 3, 2025, Myles Garrett requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns. He pointedly expressed deep appreciation for the northeast Ohio counties and the Browns’ fanbase but also alluded to the “ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl.” He also said his “ambition to win and compete on the biggest stages restricts me from being complacent.
Reasons behind the decision
Garrett’s decision is grounded in the Browns’ perennial struggle to build a championship-caliber team. Garrett, who was selected first overall in 2017, has been among the team’s best performers and has climbed to become the franchise’s all-time leader in sacks. While he has excelled, the franchise has only seen two postseason games since he arrived. The past few seasons have been especially rough, with the 2024 campaign concluding with a dismal 3-14 record.
Deshaun Watson, Quarterback: The 2022 acquisition of quarterback Deshaun Watson was widely viewed as a move to enhance the team. However, Watson’s time with the team has been complicated by injuries, legal troubles , and inconsistent play, and it surely played a role in the team’s struggles. This has reportedly frustrated Garrett, who wants to have the opportunity to perform at the highest level.
Possible locations for Myles Garrett
Garrett’s trade request has prompted rampant speculation about potential landing spots. Due to his elite-level talent and how big of an impact he can have on defense, few teams are considered potential suitors. Analysts feel Garrett would rather sign with a club that has a legitimate path to a Super Bowl run so that eliminates teams that are rebuilding. Potential fits include:
Detroit Lions:The Lions have a young, improving roster, but they could always use more pass-rush talent. Garrett would restock the back of their Bs.
Green Bay Packers: Adding Garrett to their already existing talent on that rich Packers defensive unit creates a nightmare for opposing offenses and looks to bolster their standing as a contender.
Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles have a good history of defensive line play, and Garrett could breathe life into their pass rush.
Cincinnati Bengals: They would have even more competition as the Bengals are AFC contenders who could view Garrett as the final puzzle piece to elevate their defense and assist their offensive firepower
Buffalo Bills: The Bills are already the best football team and may be a better one if Garrett is leading their front.
Careful to mention that Garrett is on a contract with sizable cap hits for the next two years — not the ideal contract for a trade — Garcia made a note to mention Garrett here in a possible trade. Any team that wants to pursue him will have to figure out the financial particulars more delicately.
All NFL reaction to the news
The nfl foundation had mixed reactions to Garrett’s trade request. Analysts, and fans have shown sympathy for Garrett, on the back of Cleveland’s struggles, especially regarding the investment with Deshaun Watson. Garrett had every right to want to play for a winning franchise considering the recent troubles the team has had with the performance of the team.
Browns’ Response and Future Outlook
For the moment, the Cleveland Browns have not indicated their intentions publicly in connection with Myles Garrett’s trade demand. General Manager Andrew Berry had previously said he wished to keep Garrett as a long-term player because of his importance to the team’s defense. Garrett has expressed a desire to compete for a championship, which may impact the organization’s decision-making process.
Myles Garrett is already on a five-year, $125 million contract extension that he signed in 2020, a massive financial undertaking. Making a potential deal complicated is the fact that any trade would have to consider these agreement commitments.
Conclusion
Myles Garrett’s trade request is a big moment in his career and has major ramifications on the Cleveland Browns and NFL landscapes. A Super Bowl championship is his goal, and that says all about what a champion he is and his champion mentality. With finished filming, we are reporting how the Browns and teams get time off this top defense of the league.
Keep reading JustSports24 for the latest news and updates on this developing story.
