The Washington Commanders opened their Super Bowl window ahead of time following an incredible run in 2024. Trading for All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett won't be the missing piece, but it'll get Dan Quinn's squad a lot closer.
Garrett isn't happy with the Cleveland Browns. The defensive end handed in a trade request after becoming disillusioned by the franchise's current direction. They don't have a quarterback (yet) capable of mounting a playoff push. The pass-rusher doesn't want to waste his remaining good years languishing in mediocrity or worse.
It didn't take long for the Commanders to become linked with Garrett. The former No. 1 overall pick seemed intrigued by the possibility of playing with quarterback Jayden Daniels during his appearances on Radio Row. Getting a deal done considering the Browns' reluctance is the challenging part.
The Browns think they can reach a compromise with Garrett. He's not given much indication that this relationship can be repaired. Both sides are dug in. And Cleveland is probably fielding calls from the vultures looking to capitalize on the team's predicament with one of the league's most dominant players regardless of position.
Commanders must do everything in their power to secure Myles Garrett trade
Adam Peters should be at the front of the queue. The general manager might not want to give up the compensation Andrew Berry wants if he becomes more receptive to offers, but he has to try.
Garrett is one of the true defensive game-changers. He's capable of turning the tide of any contest if afforded enough space. Elite-level pass-rushers like this are hard to find. They never become available for trade.
This is something the Commanders have to seriously consider. The time for half-measures is over. They must make the most of Daniels' rookie contract before what could potentially be a record-breaking extension in the coming years. Considering where Washington expects to be picking in the draft moving forward, those selections become expendable for top-level options via trade.
That's a slight shift from Peters' plans. But again, players like Garrett don't come along every day.
Much like the situation with stud cornerback Marshon Lattimore, this isn't an aging star with one more good year left. Trading for Garrett represents an investment for the future. At least the next three years if not more once a new contract arrives.
There are no injury concerns given how durable Garrett's been over the last four seasons. He's also only just turned 29 years old and remains better than ever.
Garrett is going to cost two first-round picks and more. It's a lot to give up, but watching their division rival Philadelphia Eagles dominate in the Super Bowl means Peters must be more aggressive to keep pace.
Securing a trade for Garrett would change everything. He'd instantly legitimize the Commanders' intent to bolster their defense. They have the draft capital and the spare financial resources to pull this off. What Peters must figure out is whether this move would jeopardize the ability to strengthen other areas of need.
The rewards far outweigh the risk. Washington is on the cusp of something truly special. They need to make sure a fairytale start under head coach Dan Quinn becomes something sustainable. Trading for Garrett represents the sort of bold move that would cement their place at the NFL's top table.
It might be too rich for Peters' blood. But there's no harm in finding out for sure.
