Myles Garrett is set to be the No. 1 free agent when the window opens on March 12. The star pass rusher posted a trade request following a dismal 2024 season for the Cleveland Browns, who finished with just three wins after playing postseason football in 2023.
Garrett is the type of player that every team wants in their ranks. He possesses the build and the pedigree to back up his speed and intellect. In the 2024 season, he recorded 47 tackles and 14.0 sacks en route to his fourth All-Pro induction.
The primary reason Brown handed in a trade request is that he has grown tired of the constant mediocrity in Cleveland. He has aspirations of playing for a contender. According to recent reports, he is heavily linked with a move to the Detroit Lions to partner with Aidan Hutchinson .
However, Garrett received a proposal from the Lions’ NFC North rivals, the Minnesota Vikings. More specifically, Vikings All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson.
Myles, you know where to go my brother. We need about one, two extra pieces, and you’ll fill in that piece. We need you.
Justin Jefferson said via tt/sportsseriously
The Vikings are among the best pass-rushing teams in the NFL. Last year the Vikings were fourth in the league with 49 sacks last season with Jonathan Greenard (12 sacks) and Andrew Van Ginkel (11.5 sacks) leading the way. Imagine adding Myles Garrett to that lineup.
Jefferson mentioned the Vikings need one or two pieces to make them a full-fledged contender. Now the biggest issue is that they don’t have a quarterback. Sam Darnold looks ever so close to leaving the team despite leading them to a 14-3 finish last season. The Vikings must prioritize finding a quarterback before discussing Garrett.
Keeping Myles Garrett is the best option for the Browns
There are always two sides to a coin. While Garrett wants to get away from Cleveland, the brass in the Browns facility must do everything in their power to keep hold of the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year recipient.
Trading Garrett is bound to poke a giant hole in their cap money, even though they are still suffering from the Deshaun Watson conundrum.
It will be difficult for the Browns to trade Garrett financially because his contract is wildly voided. With a pre-June 1 trade, his cap hit would go from $19.722 million to over $36 million. If Cleveland trades Garrett after June 1, it would save just under $5 million. However, the Browns would carry over $20 million in dead money in 2025.
According to PFSN’s Scott DiBenedetto
While the Browns will receive a generous draft bounty, it’s smarter to keep Myles Garrett around until they sort out the Watson issue. However, for the moment, the ball is in Garrett’s court.
