Myles Garrett Trade Rumors Heat Up – Could He Be Leaving the Browns?

Myles Garrett, the Cleveland Browns’ star defensive end, has been at the center of rumors swirling around the NFL recently. As one of the most dominant defensive players in the league, Garrett’s name has been linked to trade talks, raising eyebrows among Browns fans and NFL enthusiasts alike. For the Browns, Garrett has been the foundation of their defense since being selected first overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism has made him a force on the defensive line. However, recent whispers about a possible trade have sent shockwaves through the fanbase, raising questions about his future in Cleveland.

Could Myles Garrett actually be leaving the Browns? If so, what would that mean for both the team and the NFL as a whole? In this post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Myles Garrett trade rumors, his current situation with the Browns, the potential reasons behind these rumors, and the possible impact of such a move. Let’s dive into the evolving story.

Myles Garrett’s Career with the Cleveland Browns

Before diving into the trade rumors, it’s essential to understand Myles Garrett’s importance to the Browns and his impact on the team’s defense.

The Early Years

Myles Garrett was drafted by the Cleveland Browns as the number one overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. From the moment he stepped onto the field, Garrett showcased his elite pass-rushing abilities. In his rookie season, he tallied seven sacks, immediately establishing himself as one of the league’s top young talents. His ability to pressure the quarterback was clear, and his combination of size (6’4″, 272 pounds) and athleticism made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.

A Dominant Defensive Force

Over the years, Garrett has only gotten better. He has become a cornerstone of the Browns’ defense, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro honor. Garrett’s raw physical talent is undeniable, and he’s developed into one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL. His speed and strength make him a consistent threat to opposing quarterbacks, and his ability to disrupt offenses has been a key factor in the Browns’ defensive schemes.

Recent Performance

In recent seasons, Garrett has remained one of the top defensive players in the league. Despite the Browns’ struggles as a team in certain years, Garrett’s individual performance has rarely wavered. In the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Garrett recorded 16 and 18 sacks, respectively, and remains an essential piece of the Browns’ defense. His leadership on the field, combined with his elite skills, solidified his place as one of the NFL’s top defensive stars.

The Rumors Start to Heat Up

The rumors regarding a possible Myles Garrett trade have recently picked up steam, causing a wave of speculation across the league. Several factors have contributed to these trade whispers, including changes in the Browns’ front office, questions surrounding the team’s future, and Garrett’s perceived discontent with the franchise’s direction.

Frustration with the Browns’ Front Office?

One of the main driving forces behind the Myles Garrett trade rumors is the perceived tension between Garrett and the Browns’ front office. While Garrett has consistently expressed his desire to win in Cleveland, there have been reports that he is growing frustrated with the team’s lack of sustained success. The Browns have struggled with consistency over the years, and despite Garrett’s individual brilliance, the team has not been able to consistently compete at a high level.

The Browns’ front office has been active in trying to make changes, but it’s unclear if the moves have been enough to convince Garrett that the franchise is on the right path. In 2024, the Browns hired a new general manager, which sparked further speculation about the direction of the team. If Garrett feels that the front office is not committed to building a competitive team, it could lead to him seeking a change of scenery.

Team’s Financial Situation

Another significant factor contributing to the rumors is the financial situation of the Cleveland Browns. Garrett is one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league, with his contract extension signed in 2021 guaranteeing him a significant amount of money over the next several seasons. While Garrett’s contract is structured to keep him in Cleveland, the Browns could face salary cap issues in the near future.

Given the growing number of high-profile players on the team and the need to build a balanced roster, the Browns could explore trade options to free up cap space. Trading Garrett would not only allow the team to recoup draft picks but also provide significant financial flexibility. While Garrett’s trade value is incredibly high, a trade could be seen as a way for the Browns to build for the future.

Possible Discontent with Head Coach Kevin Stefanski

There have also been rumors that Garrett may not be entirely satisfied with the current coaching staff, specifically head coach Kevin Stefanski. In the NFL, the relationship between star players and head coaches is crucial for success, and if Garrett feels that the current system does not fit his talents, it could lead to friction. While Garrett has never publicly criticized Stefanski, there have been whispers within NFL circles that the two may not be fully aligned on the team’s strategy.

Playoff and Championship Aspirations

Garrett’s primary goal as an elite NFL player is to win a championship. While he has been part of the Browns’ resurgence in recent years, the team has yet to make a deep playoff run. The AFC North is highly competitive, and the Browns have faced stiff competition from teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals. Garrett could be questioning whether the Browns are truly capable of winning a championship in the near future. If the Browns don’t show signs of improving their overall roster, he may look elsewhere to fulfill his aspirations.

Where Could Myles Garrett Go?

If the trade rumors surrounding Garrett are true, several NFL teams could be interested in acquiring him. Garrett is one of the most disruptive defensive players in the NFL, and his addition would immediately improve any team’s defense. Let’s explore some potential destinations for Garrett if a trade were to happen.

1. The Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears have been rebuilding in recent years, and with a solid defense and a need for a game-changing pass rusher, Myles Garrett could fit perfectly into their defensive scheme. The Bears have a substantial amount of cap space and a young roster that could benefit from Garrett’s leadership and elite skills.

2. The San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are a championship contender with a stout defense, and adding a player like Garrett could make them even more dangerous. The 49ers have been known to make bold moves, and acquiring Garrett could be the final piece needed to push them over the top in their quest for a Super Bowl.

3. The New York Giants

The New York Giants are in the midst of rebuilding, but their defense is an area that could benefit greatly from Garrett’s presence. The Giants have been looking to add a premier pass rusher, and Myles Garrett could be the perfect addition to their defense. His experience and elite skill set would complement their defensive line and provide an immediate boost.

4. The Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles are another team with a strong defense and Super Bowl aspirations. Garrett would fit well into their defense, and the Eagles could be willing to make a trade to add another premier pass rusher to their already stout defensive front.

5. The Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are known for making aggressive moves, and adding Garrett to their already impressive defense could create one of the most formidable defensive lines in the league. The Cowboys’ front office has the financial flexibility to take on a player of Garrett’s caliber, and he could help them compete for a Super Bowl title.

What Would a Trade for Myles Garrett Mean for the Browns?

If the Browns were to trade Myles Garrett, it would be a monumental decision. Garrett has been the face of the franchise for several years, and trading him would signal a shift in the team’s long-term strategy. Here are some potential consequences of a Garrett trade:

1. Loss of a Franchise Player

Myles Garrett is arguably the best player the Browns have had in decades. Trading him would be a significant blow to the franchise, as Garrett is a game-changer on defense. Losing him would create a massive void in the Browns’ defensive line and could have a ripple effect on the overall team.

2. Draft Picks and Cap Flexibility

A trade for Garrett would likely yield the Browns a significant return in terms of draft picks, potentially allowing them to add young talent to the roster. Additionally, the Browns would free up cap space, giving them the financial flexibility to address other areas of the roster. However, the team would need to ensure that they use the assets from the trade wisely to build a competitive team moving forward.

3. Potential Rebuild or Transition

If the Browns were to trade Garrett, it could signal a shift toward a rebuild or transition phase. The team might decide to focus on developing young players and building for the future, rather than trying to win immediately. This could be a tough pill for fans to swallow, but it could also provide the Browns with an opportunity to retool and make long-term improvements.

Conclusion

The rumors surrounding Myles Garrett’s potential departure from the Cleveland Browns are undeniably intriguing, but they are also filled with uncertainty. Garrett is one of the most dominant defensive players in the league, and his future in Cleveland remains a topic of much debate. Whether the Browns ultimately decide to trade him or keep him as their cornerstone defensive player, one thing is certain: Garrett’s impact on the NFL is undeniable.

If a trade were to happen, it would shake up the landscape of the NFL, with several teams likely lining up to acquire a player of Garrett’s caliber. However, for Browns fans, the idea of losing their star defensive end would be a difficult pill to swallow. Regardless of the outcome, the Myles Garrett trade rumors have added an exciting and unpredictable element to the offseason, and the next chapter of Garrett’s career will be one to watch closely.