Why Did Myles Garrett Request a Trade?
🔹 Imagine this: You’re one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL, a six-time Pro Bowler, and a reigning Defensive Player of the Year. You’ve spent nearly a decade giving everything to a franchise that hasn’t delivered a true championship-contending team. Would you stay, or would you chase greatness elsewhere?
That’s the crossroads Myles Garrett finds himself at today.
On Monday, February 3, 2025, the Cleveland Browns‘ superstar defensive end officially requested a trade, sending shockwaves through the NFL. His statement made one thing crystal clear—winning a Super Bowl is his top priority.
“As a kid dreaming of the NFL, all I focused on was the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl. That goal fuels me today more than ever.” – Myles Garrett
But why now? What changed for Garrett, a player who once seemed committed to Cleveland for the long haul?
1️⃣ The Browns’ Playoff Struggles & Uncertain Future
🔹 Frustration has been brewing for years. Despite Garrett’s elite performances, Cleveland has failed to make a deep playoff run since their brief postseason success in 2020.
- Since drafting Deshaun Watson, the Browns have been plagued by inconsistency, injuries, and a bloated contract that limits their ability to build a championship-caliber roster.
- Garrett has watched other elite pass rushers—like Nick Bosa, T.J. Watt, and Micah Parsons—play for teams that consistently contend.
- The Browns’ front office hasn’t made significant moves to bolster their defense beyond Garrett, leaving him to carry the pass rush almost single-handedly.
At 29 years old, time is running out for Garrett to maximize his prime years in pursuit of a championship.
2️⃣ Does Myles Garrett Believe in the Browns’ Future?
🔹 One of the biggest question marks surrounding Garrett’s decision is whether he’s lost faith in the Browns’ long-term vision.
- The team lacks future draft capital, limiting their ability to add top-tier talent.
- Head Coach Kevin Stefanski’s future is uncertain, with many analysts speculating he could be on the hot seat if 2025 starts poorly.
- Garrett has two years left on his contract, meaning this offseason is the Browns’ last chance to get maximum trade value for him.
Could this be a sign that Garrett sees the writing on the wall and wants out before Cleveland enters a potential rebuild?
3️⃣ Could This Be About Deshaun Watson’s Contract?
🔹 There’s no avoiding the elephant in the room—Deshaun Watson’s fully guaranteed $230 million contract is crippling Cleveland’s ability to build a contender.
- Since joining the Browns, Watson has struggled with injuries, inconsistency, and off-field controversies.
- His massive contract has forced the Browns to cut costs elsewhere, making it harder to assemble a championship roster.
- Garrett’s trade request could be a signal that he no longer believes Watson is the right QB to lead a Super Bowl run.
If that’s the case, Garrett may want to move to a team with a proven quarterback and a stable front office—something Cleveland currently lacks.
Why Did Myles Garrett Request a Trade?
Myles Garrett’s Statement About Winning a Super Bowl
For eight seasons, Myles Garrett has been the heart and soul of the Cleveland Browns’ defense. But despite his dominance, playoff success has been elusive. Now, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year has made his intentions clear:
“As a kid dreaming of the NFL, all I focused on was the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl. That goal fuels me today more than ever.” – Myles Garrett
Garrett’s statement isn’t just about wanting a trade—it’s about wanting to win. At 29 years old, he’s still in his prime, but he knows time is running out to chase a ring.
So, why is Garrett leaving now? Let’s break down the key reasons.
Browns’ Struggles & Lack of Playoff Success
The Browns haven’t had a deep playoff run since 2020, and even then, it was a short-lived Cinderella story. Since Garrett was drafted in 2017, Cleveland has only made the playoffs twice—a frustrating reality for a generational talent.
- The Browns’ defensive struggles have forced Garrett to carry the pass rush almost alone.
- The AFC is loaded with powerhouse teams like the Chiefs, Ravens, Bengals, and Bills, making a Super Bowl run increasingly difficult.
- The Browns’ front office has failed to build a true championship-contending team around Garrett.
While the Browns’ fanbase is loyal, their Super Bowl window has never truly opened. Garrett sees that, and he’s ready for a change.
Deshaun Watson’s Contract & Performance
One of the biggest obstacles to the Browns’ success? Deshaun Watson’s contract.
- Watson signed a fully guaranteed $230 million deal in 2022, which severely limits the Browns’ salary cap flexibility.
- Since arriving in Cleveland, Watson has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, leaving questions about his long-term viability as a franchise QB.
- Garrett likely sees the writing on the wall—the Browns’ cap situation means limited resources to add talent around him.
While Garrett has never publicly criticized Watson, it’s hard to ignore the impact Watson’s contract has had on the team’s ability to compete.
Garrett’s Frustration with Cleveland’s Long-Term Plan
🔹 Is this a team built for a championship? Garrett seems to think not.
- The Browns don’t have a clear long-term direction beyond Watson.
- Their draft capital is limited, making it hard to add young talent.
- Key players like Nick Chubb are aging or recovering from major injuries.
For Garrett, staying in Cleveland could mean wasting his prime on a team stuck in mediocrity. It’s no surprise he’s looking for a fresh start.
Was Myles Garrett Unhappy in Cleveland?
Locker Room Rumors & Team Dynamics
Despite being a leader on the field, whispers about Garrett’s growing frustrations behind the scenes have circulated for months.
- Some reports suggest Garrett has privately voiced concerns about the Browns’ coaching staff and defensive scheme.
- In 2022, Garrett was briefly suspended by the team for an internal disciplinary issue, hinting at past tensions.
While Garrett has never been openly critical of the franchise, his trade request suggests he’s not fully on board with Cleveland’s direction.
His Relationship with the Coaching Staff & Front Office
🔹 How much faith does Garrett have in the Browns’ leadership?
- GM Andrew Berry publicly stated he would not trade Garrett “for two first-round picks.”
- Head Coach Kevin Stefanski’s job security has been in question after back-to-back disappointing seasons.
- If the Browns aren’t guaranteeing stability, Garrett may not want to gamble his future on them.
For Garrett, this isn’t about not loving Cleveland—it’s about wanting to win somewhere that actually feels like a contender.
What Teams Could Trade for Myles Garrett?
With Garrett officially on the trade market, which teams will make a move?
Top NFL Teams in Need of a Pass Rusher
- Philadelphia Eagles – Need a dominant edge rusher after defensive struggles late in the 2024 season.
- Dallas Cowboys – A potential Myles Garrett + Micah Parsons duo would terrify offenses.
- San Francisco 49ers – Already Super Bowl contenders, Garrett would make them unstoppable.
- Chicago Bears – Rebuilding but with cap space and draft picks to make a move.
- Seattle Seahawks – Could use Garrett to solidify their defensive front.
Salary Cap Considerations & Potential Trade Packages
🔹 Garrett’s current contract:
- Signed through 2026
- Cap hit: $20M in 2025, jumps to $40M in 2027
- Any trade will require cap space adjustments from potential suitors.
If the Browns trade Garrett, they’ll want at least two first-round picks and/or impact players in return.
5 Best Trade Destinations for Myles Garrett
1️⃣ Philadelphia Eagles 🦅 (Super Bowl Contender, Aggressive Defense)
- The Eagles’ pass rush regressed last season—Garrett could fix that instantly.
- Philadelphia has the draft capital and cap space to make a serious offer.
2️⃣ Dallas Cowboys ⭐ (Elite Pass Rush Duo with Micah Parsons?)
- Pairing Garrett with Parsons could create the most dangerous pass-rushing duo in the league.
- Cowboys need a dominant defensive piece after playoff disappointments.
3️⃣ San Francisco 49ers 🏆 (Championship-Ready Defense)
- The 49ers already have an elite defense, but Garrett would put them over the top.
- Cap space could be an issue, but a restructuring deal might work.
4️⃣ Chicago Bears 🐻 (Rebuilding with Young Talent & Cap Space)
- The Bears have money and picks to trade.
- Adding Garrett would give them a franchise cornerstone on defense.
5️⃣ Seattle Seahawks 🟢 (Can They Afford Him?)
- Seattle needs an elite pass rusher to stay competitive in the NFC West.
- Cap space is tight, but the Seahawks have tradeable assets.
How Will Myles Garrett’s Trade Impact the Cleveland Browns?
Browns’ Defense Without Garrett
🚨 This would be a massive loss for Cleveland.
- Garrett has been the backbone of their defense since he was drafted.
- Without him, the Browns’ pass rush would take a major hit.
- Could Cleveland recover quickly, or would they enter a full rebuild?
Potential Replacements (NFL Draft & Free Agents)
If Cleveland loses Garrett, who replaces him?
- 2025 NFL Draft: Could target EDGE rushers like Abdul Carter.
- Free Agency: Veterans like Brian Burns or Danielle Hunter might be options.
Could Cleveland Get Multiple 1st-Round Picks in Return?
✅ Best-case scenario: Browns get multiple high draft picks + a young defensive player.
❌ Worst-case scenario: They get less than market value and weaken their defense.
🚨 The Browns must decide quickly—will they rebuild or fight to stay competitive?
Myles Garrett Trade: Latest News & Rumors
The Myles Garrett trade request has taken over the NFL headlines, sparking debates about his future, the Browns’ response, and where he could land. With insider reports from top analysts, official team statements, and reactions from players around the league, let’s break down the latest trade rumors surrounding the star pass rusher.
🔹 Insider Reports from Adam Schefter & Ian Rapoport
When news broke that Garrett had requested a trade, NFL insiders like Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport were the first to confirm the report.
🚨 Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) – “Breaking: Reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett has requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns.”
💬 Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) – “Multiple teams have already reached out to the Browns regarding a possible trade for Myles Garrett. Cleveland’s front office is weighing its options.”
🔹 Some teams believed to be in active discussions for Garrett:
✅ Philadelphia Eagles
✅ Dallas Cowboys
✅ San Francisco 49ers
✅ Chicago Bears
✅ Seattle Seahawks
With so many suitors, the Browns will likely field multiple offers before deciding their next move.
🔹 Browns’ Official Response (Andrew Berry’s Previous Statement)
Just a few weeks ago, Browns GM Andrew Berry was adamant that the team had no plans to trade Garrett.
“I wouldn’t trade Myles Garrett for two first-round picks.” – Andrew Berry, Browns GM
But now, with Garrett’s request public, the situation has changed. Will Berry stick to his word, or will the right offer force Cleveland’s hand?
Early reports suggest that the Browns aren’t immediately shopping Garrett but are listening to offers. If a team presents a blockbuster trade package, don’t be surprised if Cleveland pulls the trigger.
🔹 Player Reactions from Teammates & NFL Analysts
💬 Browns Players React to Garrett’s Trade Request
🔹 Nick Chubb: “Myles has been the heart of this defense. If he leaves, it’s gonna hurt, no doubt.”
🔹 Deshaun Watson: “I hope we can figure things out. He’s a game-changer, and I want him on this team.”
🏈 NFL Analysts Weigh In
🔹 Shannon Sharpe (Undisputed): “Garrett wants out because he sees the writing on the wall. The Browns aren’t built for a Super Bowl run anytime soon.”
🔹 Stephen A. Smith (ESPN): “This is a franchise-altering moment. The Browns need to decide—do they keep Garrett and hope things improve, or do they cash in now and rebuild?”
With so much uncertainty, Garrett’s next move remains one of the biggest NFL stories of the year.
FAQs – Answering the Most Searched Questions
With Myles Garrett’s trade request dominating the news cycle, fans have a lot of burning questions. Below, we break down the most searched queries about his future, contract details, and legacy.
🔹 Will Myles Garrett Leave the Browns?
The short answer? It’s very possible.
🔹 Contract Breakdown:
- Garrett is signed through 2026.
- His cap hit for 2025 is $20 million, rising to $40 million in 2027.
- The Browns could save money by trading him now, especially if they believe they won’t contend in the near future.
🚀 Likelihood of Trade: High
If a team offers multiple first-round picks and/or a star player, Cleveland might pull the trigger before the 2025 season.
🔹 How Long is Myles Garrett’s Contract?
Garrett signed a five-year, $125 million contract extension in 2020, keeping him under team control through 2026.
🔹 Key contract details:
- 2025 cap hit: $20 million
- 2026 cap hit: $21 million
- 2027 escalates to $40 million
Any team trading for Garrett must be willing to absorb a massive contract or restructure it to fit their cap situation.
🔹 How Many Sacks Does Myles Garrett Have?
Garrett is one of the most dominant pass rushers in NFL history, and his sack totals back it up.
Career Sack Stats (as of 2025):
📌 Total career sacks: 98.5
📌 2024-25 season: 14 sacks, 28 QB hits, 3 forced fumbles
📌 Seven straight seasons with double-digit sacks
With a few more dominant years, Garrett is on track to reach the elite 150+ sack club, putting him in Hall of Fame conversation.
🔹 Is Myles Garrett a Future Hall of Famer?
If Garrett retired today, would he make the Hall of Fame? The answer is yes—but he still has work to do.
🔹 Comparing Garrett to Other Elite Pass Rushers:
| Player | Career Sacks | Defensive POY Awards | Super Bowl Rings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myles Garrett | 98.5 | 1 | 0 |
| T.J. Watt | 104.5 | 2 | 0 |
| Aaron Donald | 111 | 3 | 1 |
🔹 What Garrett Still Needs for Hall of Fame Status:
✅ Another 4-5 elite seasons (130+ career sacks)
✅ At least one more Defensive Player of the Year award
✅ A Super Bowl ring would help solidify his legacy
🚀 Verdict: Garrett is on track for Canton, but a Super Bowl run could cement his Hall of Fame status.
🔹 What is Myles Garrett’s 40-Yard Dash Time?
One of the most athletic defensive linemen in NFL history, Garrett’s speed is freakish for his size.
📌 Official 40-yard dash time: 4.64 seconds
📌 Height/Weight: 6’4″, 272 lbs
📌 Bench Press Reps: 33 reps at 225 lbs
For comparison:
- T.J. Watt: 4.69 seconds
- Nick Bosa: 4.79 seconds
- Aaron Donald: 4.68 seconds
💪 Garrett’s speed, strength, and explosiveness make him one of the most dominant edge rushers of this era.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Myles Garrett?
🔹 Will the Browns cave and trade him, or will they convince him to stay?
🔹 Which team will pay the highest price for the star pass rusher?
🔹 Will Garrett’s next move define his Hall of Fame legacy?
🔥 One thing is certain: The Myles Garrett trade saga is just getting started!
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