Myles Garrett Requests Trade from Cleveland Browns: Super Bowl Dreams Drive Decision

Reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett has officially requested a trade, sending shockwaves through the league. In a statement released Monday, Garrett cited his unwavering desire to win a Super Bowl as the primary reason behind his decision. This unexpected move comes after a season that saw the Browns finish with a disappointing 3-14 record.

Garrett's Statement and Reasons for Leaving

Garrett's statement, obtained by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, expressed his deep love for the Cleveland community and Browns fanbase, calling the decision one of the toughest of his life. He highlighted his eight years in Cleveland as formative, shaping him into the man he is today. However, his overriding ambition to compete for and win a Super Bowl overshadowed his fondness for Cleveland, ultimately leading to his trade request. He explicitly stated that "the goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl." His desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won't allow him to be complacent.

Garrett's Impressive Career and Contract Situation

Garrett, at 29 years old, is undeniably one of the NFL's elite pass rushers. He's a five-time Pro Bowler, a four-time first-team All-Pro, and the reigning AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, coming off his seventh straight double-digit sack season, including four straight seasons with 14 or more sacks. In 2024 alone, he recorded 14 sacks and three forced fumbles. His career stats are even more impressive, boasting 102.5 sacks in 117 games. These numbers firmly establish Garrett as one of the premier defensive players in the NFL today. His current contract, a five-year, $125 million extension signed in 2020, still has two years remaining with significant cap implications.

The Browns' Response and Trade Value

The Browns' response to Garrett's trade request has been swift and unwavering. Despite Andrew Berry, the Browns' general manager, previously stating that Garrett wasn't going anywhere, even for two first-round picks, the team's stance remains unchanged following his request. Berry emphasized that the Browns viewed Garrett as a "big piece of our future." However, the reality of a team consistently underperforming, combined with Garrett's desire to compete at the highest level, has irrevocably altered the situation. The Browns might need to restructure contracts of some players like Deshaun Watson and Denzel Ward to be able to trade Garrett, and even cutting a player such as Jack Conklin might be needed to free up cap space for a trade. Reports suggest that acquiring Garrett would require a substantial compensation package, potentially involving multiple first-round draft picks and possibly additional assets, putting a steep price tag on any team hoping to acquire the star defensive end. This price tag is firmly in the sticker-shock realm and won't be coming down. Sources have speculated that the Browns' asking price will likely start with at least two first-round picks and a Day 2 pick, reflecting Garrett's exceptional talent and value.

A Look at the Financial Implications

The financial aspect of a Garrett trade is a complex one. While Garrett's relatively modest base salaries of around $20 million in 2025 and $25 million in 2026 appear manageable, the significant dead-cap hit of approximately $36.2 million to the Browns in a trade creates a major hurdle. This dead-cap figure represents bonuses already paid to Garrett that wouldn't be transferable in a trade, substantially impacting the Browns' salary-cap situation. In contrast, keeping Garrett in 2025 would only result in a $19.7 million cap charge. This makes the trade a considerably risky financial maneuver for any team looking to obtain his services.

The Future of Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns

Myles Garrett's trade request marks a significant turning point for both the player and the Cleveland Browns. For Garrett, it's a bold pursuit of a Super Bowl ring, a goal that has fueled his career. For the Browns, it's a challenge that requires careful consideration of the financial and strategic implications of potentially trading away their star defensive player. The coming weeks will undoubtedly be pivotal as the Browns navigate this complex situation, determining their next move and ultimately shaping the future of their franchise. The situation remains fluid and uncertain, but one thing is clear: the NFL landscape has been significantly altered by Garrett’s decisive decision.

The Aftermath: A New Chapter Begins

The request itself has ignited a flurry of speculation regarding Garrett’s potential destinations. Teams with Super Bowl aspirations and the necessary draft capital will undoubtedly be vying for his services. The Browns, faced with a difficult decision, will have to weigh Garrett’s value against the considerable financial implications. The coming weeks promise to be full of intense negotiations, rumors, and perhaps even a few surprises. This is more than just a trade; it's the start of a new chapter for one of the NFL's most dominant defensive players. The legacy of Myles Garrett in Cleveland is secure, but his quest for ultimate glory continues.