Myles Garrett Requests Trade From Cleveland Browns, Surprising Team and Fans Alike

Myles Garrett Cleveland Browns requests trade
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett in 2019. Photo by Chris Szagola/CSM/Shutterstock (10415714co)

In a surprising turn of events, Myles Garrett, the NFL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year, has formally requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns. Garrett, who has been a cornerstone of the Browns’ defense since being selected first overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, expressed his intention to join a team with a stronger chance of competing for a Super Bowl.

In a statement released on February 3, 2025, Garrett conveyed his appreciation for the Cleveland community and its fans but emphasized his aspiration to compete at the highest 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. 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. These past eight years have shaped me into the man that I am today.

“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. The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl. With that in mind, I have requested to be traded from the Cleveland Browns,” he wrote, according to The Guardian.

Garrett’s tenure with the Browns has been marked by individual excellence, including multiple Pro Bowl selections and setting the franchise record for career sacks. Despite his personal success, the team has struggled to achieve consistent postseason success, making only two playoff appearances during his eight seasons. The 2024 season was particularly challenging, with the Browns finishing with a 3-14 record, tying for the worst in the league.

The news of Garrett’s trade request has sent shockwaves through Cleveland, with fans expressing their frustration over the team’s inability to retain one of its best players, according to Cleveland 19 News. On Monday morning, a group of young Browns fans gathered outside the stadium to protest what they see as a failure by the organization to build a competitive team around Garrett.

“I thought, man, I really don’t want to go to class this morning,” said one fan Andrew Baughman. “This is terrible, terrible news. It’s like ripping away a part of myself and what’s so much worse about it, is it’s completely justified.”

Another fan, Aiden Crowley, echoed the sentiment, blaming the organization for not doing enough to keep Garrett. “We’re mad at the organization because it’s like you’re telling me you really can’t put a plan in place for this guy that wants to be here? He just wants to win, and the fact that he’s so confident that we have such a low chance of winning that he’s willing to leave—it’s frustrating.”

Analysts have speculated that Garrett’s trade request is influenced by the team’s ongoing struggles, particularly following the acquisition of quarterback Deshaun Watson in 2022. The Browns invested heavily in Watson, trading multiple draft picks and signing him to a $230 million fully guaranteed contract. However, Watson’s tenure has been marred by legal issues, injuries, and underwhelming performance on the field, contributing to the team’s lack of success.

ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the situation, stating, “I’m not surprised and I completely support Myles Garrett…He’s asking for this trade because he knows Cleveland struggles to find a quarterback. They’ve left it all on the shoulders of their defense….There doesn’t seem to be any relief or any help in sight and he wants to be in a winning situation,” according to Talk Sport.

Despite Garrett’s request, the Browns’ front office has indicated that they are not inclined to trade their star defensive end. A team spokesperson stated, “We aren’t entertaining trade offers for Myles,” according to Bleacher Report.

Garrett is currently under contract through the 2026 season, having signed a five-year, $125 million extension in 2020. His departure would represent a significant shift for the Browns’ defense and could signal broader changes within the organization.

As the situation develops, several teams are expected to express interest in acquiring Garrett, given his elite defensive capabilities and proven track record. Potential landing spots include teams with strong playoff aspirations seeking to bolster their defensive front.

Garrett’s request underscores the challenges faced by the Browns in building a competitive team and retaining top talent. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the future trajectory of both Garrett’s career and the Browns’ organizational strategy.