It was only a matter of time before the (arguably) best defensive lineman (and defensive player overall) in the league demanded his way out of the dumpster fire organization that is the Cleveland Browns.

Reigning defensive player of the year, Myles Garrett, who is also a 6-time All-Pro and Pro-Bowler, has requested a trade out of Cleveland as of this morning.

The Cleveland Browns have reportedly answered the request with a denial of interest in trading the disgruntled edge rusher, and in turn have said that they would like to extend him. Which seems logical – you want out? Okay, how about we give you a contract that makes you stay here longer?

Has this ever worked? Has a player ever requested a trade publicly in a statement and returned to a team that they are the face of? I guess Kobe did it, but not in the NFL.

Garrett, 29, is set to become a free agent following the 2026 season. He is in the prime of his career and stated his “desire to win” as the main reason for his request.

Here are a couple of teams who fit the build of “winning” and have the ability to bring on the Cap Hit that Garrett’s contract brings along.
(Keep in mind, I do not understand the NFL Salary Cap – and no one does truly, I don’t think General Managers know, I think they just have someone who randomly says “yes” or “no” about if they can take on or add their current cap. I used a website – OverTheCap.com – to figure out if teams would be able to do a deal for Garrett).

Unfortunately for the Browns, who will be getting multiple 1st-round picks out of Garrett – He wants to play for a winner. And winners, don’t have high 1st-round picks.

Buffalo Bills

Josh Allen and the boys have been trying, unsuccessfully, to over come the big red giant in Kansas City for years now. Adding Myles Garrett on the edge would be monumental for their success in the AFC. Year in and year out they are just on the cusp – Myles helps them get over that hump. They would need to part ways with Von Miller…but entering his age 36 season, I don’t forsee that being an issue to bring in Garrett in his place.

Baltimore Ravens

Again, a team who just can’t seem to get over the AFC hump in the road of the Bills and Chiefs. Lamar Jackson put up another MVP like season, their defense played outstanding, yet they still couldn’t get to the Big Game. Adding elite defensive force would only solidify their already powerful defense.

Detroit Lions

Can you imagine Aiden Hutchinson rushing one edge, with Myles Garrett off the other? Fans had already started to dream about this during the regular season when Hutchinson went down with his broken leg… “imagine replacing him with Garrett”, but obviously that didn’t come to fruition… but now we get to imagine it again, and this time he isn’t replacing him – he’s pairing up with him.

Philadelphia Eagles

When the Eagles inevitably lose their second Super Bowl in 3 years to the Chiefs, fans are going to be calling for major changes. They added Saquon this year who was electric, they have everything across the board, but adding Garrett would just be that much more exciting for them as a whole. Philly staple Brandon Graham has been injured and is going to be turning 37 this offseason. Should they win the Super Bowl (unlikely), Graham could ride off into the sunset…with Garrett filling his place.

Kansas City Chiefs

The rich get richer. In an unfathomable move, the 2-time defending (soon to be 3-time defending) champs could in-theory pull off one off the biggest trades in modern NFL history. Should the juggarnaut feel the need to solidify themselves as the Evil Empire, they have the power to go out and trade for Myles Garrett. With Chris Jones filling the interior, Garrett off the edge would be a deadly combo for an already not horrible defense. Andy Reid and the boys in Kansas City are focused on winning their 3rd straight currently, but I would be shocked if the front office isn’t mixing it up with the Browns.

We are in for an exciting off-season, and we haven’t even reached the Super Bowl yet.

Till Next Time,
Trevor