Myles Garrett’s hardships and problems in Cleveland have eventually led him to desire to leave the team. The most shocking aspect of his trade demand on Monday, communicated via social media, is that it took him so long to make this choice.
Garrett, 29, is coming off a season in which he recorded 14 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles, which might lead to his second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award. He has been a standout player for the Browns since being picked first overall in 2017 out of Texas A&M.
The issue isn’t Garrett; it’s the team. The Browns have been dreadful, and Garrett does not want to ruin his career by sticking there.
“While I’ve loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won’t allow me to be complacent,” Garrett said in an Instagram message. “The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.”
Washington went from three victories last season to reaching the NFC title game this year, demonstrating the rapid evolution of NFL teams. However, Garrett does not believe the Browns can turn things around. He feels he’s squandered eight wonderful years with them and doesn’t want to waste anymore.
The problem stems from one of the worst trades in NFL history: the Browns’ 2022 decision to pay up six draft picks, including three first-rounders, to acquire Deshaun Watson from Houston. This occurred after Watson was implicated in a sexual harassment and assault controversy involving several massage therapists.
Despite his pending suspension, the Browns signed him to a five-year, $230 million contract.
Watson has performed terribly, scoring only 19 touchdowns in 19 games. His stint with the Browns has been characterized by middling performances, a league suspension, and injuries. The Browns ended 3-14, and their roster has been decimated by the loss of those draft picks.
The situation worsens, leaving Garrett — the Browns’ top player, fan favourite, and essential defensive tackle — feeling forlorn and ready to leave.
Garrett had previously indicated at a desire to be traded, but when general manager Andrew Berry stated last week that the Browns would not entertain trade offers, Garrett made his concerns known, particularly during Super Bowl week.
This may propel Garrett into contention — and there will be lots of teams interested. Philadelphia, Detroit, and Cincinnati are all potential landing destinations.
However, the Watson trade is the root cause of this disaster. The Browns had quarterback Baker Mayfield but didn’t believe in him, and he has since led Tampa Bay to two playoff appearances. They saw Watson as an upgrade, which could have been true if he had regained his earlier form and avoided his off-field problems.
Cleveland paid a high price for Deshaun Watson, which appeared to be exorbitant and motivated by desperation when it was not truly necessary. However, the team did not care.
“We are confident in Deshaun and excited about moving forward with him as our quarterback while also supporting his genuine and determined efforts,” said team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam in a statement at the time.
That confidence has certainly diminished.
Garrett is now wanting to be traded, despite the fact that he has been content and playing well on a personal level.
“As a kid dreaming of the NFL, all I focused on was the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl — and that goal fuels me today more than ever,” Garrett shared. “My passion for the Northeast Ohio community and the Cleveland Browns’ great fanbase have made this one of the most difficult decisions of my life. The last eight years have shaped me into the man I am today.
Cleveland’s lone bright spot is that they may be able to recoup some of the draft picks lost in the Watson trade. How much could Garrett be worth? Perhaps two first-round picks? Or maybe a first-round pick plus a number of more picks?
Garrett still has two years remaining on his five-year, $125 million contract. His salary cap hits are $19.7 million in 2025 and $20.3 million in 2026. He’s among the best at his position, which is incredibly valuable.
He won’t turn thirty until December. His effort, training, and attitude have never been questioned. And if he can get 14 sacks on a 14-loss squad, imagine what he can do on a championship-caliber team.
Consider Garrett in Detroit opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Alternatively, Garrett could be on a young, hungry club like Washington. Or Garrett in Cincinnati, where the Bengals already have all the offence they require. Or Garrett could join an outstanding defensive line in Philadelphia, assuming the Eagles can manoeuvre around the pay cap.
Every team will be interested, especially rebuilding teams like Las Vegas or New England that want to show they have a bright future.
Wherever he goes, it won’t be in Cleveland unless the Browns can persuade him that they’re in a better position than he realizes.
Garrett wants to play for a contender, but Cleveland hasn’t appeared to be one since the Deshaun Watson trade.
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