Myles Garrett, the standout defensive player of the NFL and the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, has publicly requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns. In a heartfelt statement released on Monday, Garrett emphasized his lifelong aspiration to secure a Super Bowl victory, which drives his decision to leave the team.
Reflecting on his time with the Browns, which has included six losing seasons out of his eight-year career, 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.” He mentioned how the city had shaped him but expressed a strong desire to compete at the highest level, stating, “The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton; it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.”
His request comes in light of a disappointing season where the Browns finished with a 3-14 record, raising questions about the team’s trajectory. Despite optimism surrounding the acquisition of quarterback Deshaun Watson before the 2022 season, Cleveland saw better performance with Joe Flacco under center in 2023.
Garrett’s contract, which spans two years at $125 million, includes significant cap hits of over $19 million in 2025 and $20 million in 2026. He ranks among the elite pass-rushers in the league, with 14 sacks this past season, making him the second-leading sack artist behind T.J. Watt since entering the league in 2017.
Given his level of skill and potential for a new extension, any team aiming to acquire Garrett will likely need to part with substantial draft capital and offer a lucrative contract. While his age may suggest a less lucrative deal than the record-setting contract of Nick Bosa, Garrett’s performance makes it plausible for him to command a similar or even greater value.
As it stands, trades cannot be finalized until March 12, 2025, when the NFL’s new league year begins. Until then, teams can negotiate and discuss potential terms.
This move highlights both Garrett’s commitment to success and the ongoing challenges faced by the Browns organization, signaling a pivotal moment for his career and the future of the franchise. It remains hopeful that Garrett’s pursuit will lead him to a team ready to compete for a championship, aligning his aspirations with a stronger football legacy.