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The price to acquire Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett will be steep and it looks like the amount of suitable destinations will be limited.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that people around the NFL believe trading for Garrett should require “at least two quality picks” and that the list of suitors will be limited due to his “desire to join a contender:”
People I’ve talked to about Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett’s trade market agree that his immense talent should garner at least two quality picks in return — either two first-rounders, or a first-rounder and a high-level Day 2 pick package. They also agree the list of potential suitors would be condensed due to his desire to join a contender after requesting a trade. I’ve spoken to several teams that openly admit they will probably reach out to Cleveland, with the expectation that the Browns will say no to any offer. Cleveland has no plans to budge on its stance that Garrett won’t be moved. Obviously, that can change; Cleveland has a savvy front office that’s measured but aggressive, so perhaps the trade value will eventually be too hard to pass up. But this could drag on for a while. Sources maintain that Garrett is not motivated by money, but rather solely by a desire to win. After all, Garrett would have no problem getting a new deal from Cleveland or elsewhere. He has 14-plus sacks in each of the past four seasons and is a free agent in 2027.
Garrett announced his trade request on Monday and stated that it was due to his desire to win a Super Bowl. The Browns have made the playoffs twice during Garrett’s time with the team, including in the 2023 season, but a disastrous 3-14 season in 2024 shows that the team has potentially reverted toward the bottom and is not close to contending in a crowded AFC North.
These struggles came despite some excellent production from Garrett. The 29-year-old recorded 14 sacks with 22 tackles for loss, 28 quarterback hits, 47 total tackles and three forced fumbles. He was named first-team All-Pro and finished third for the Defensive Player of the Year Award after winning the honor in 2023.
He is a true game-breaker and could be the missing piece for a team looking to make a deep playoff run. While it may be a steep price, making a bid for Garrett’s services is something many contenders will look to do this offseason.
