Following his 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, Myles Garrett kept up the pace, earning another nomination in 2024. The cornerstone of the Cleveland Browns franchise is arguably the best defensive player in the world. Still, with Cleveland’s lack of success, the Texas A&M product is looking for a potential move.
Will Future Hall-of-Fame DE Get Moved and When?
NFL Insider Tom Pelissero joined the “Rich Eisen Show” to discuss Garrett’s future, including when he may be dealt.
Pelissero describes that the Browns are more than willing to make Garrett the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. However, Garrett’s distaste with the club may be too much that any amount of money could overlook.
Rumors are flying around the #NFLCombine on the future of Myles Garrett, who has said he doesn't want to play for the Browns anymore — when might a deal get done?#NFL #DawgPound #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/hHm2Wzx4pm
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) February 28, 2025
Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry does not appear to be interested in dealing the 6-foot-4 superstar. Pelissero says that when teams call regarding Garrett, Berry’s response is, “I am not trading him.”
Pelissero also thinks that if the Browns do change their mind, a deal will have to get done prior to the draft. This is due to the fact that the package for No. 95 will need to include numerous draft picks at minimum.
What Are Garrett’s Possible Landing Spots?
The likelihood of Garrett remaining in the AFC (if it is not with Cleveland) appears to be slim, as the only two teams mentioned by Pelissero are NFC powerhouses. The Philadelphia Eagles were pinned as arguable favorites to land Garrett with the amount of assets the team has. Not only that, but general manager Howie Roseman appears to have his hand in every big available player’s pot.
“Howie’s in on every deal,” Pelissero said. “The Eagles would be interested in any player who plausibly becomes available, and Howie’s always gonna call. He’s always gonna say, ‘Let me know if you end up doing something here.’ Everyone knows if they get that call from Howie, it’s not that he’s not serious, it’s that he always wants to know what’s happening just in case there’s an opportunity.”
The only other team besides Philadelphia mentioned was the Detroit Lions. Similar to Philly, the Lions have plenty of assets that could potentially make a trade work. The potential of this move may be slim, though, due to the young Aidan Hutchinson already occupying where Garrett would slot in.
Garrett’s Impact on Cleveland Defense in 2024
PFSN’s Defense+ rankings have the Browns inside the top 10 for their performance this season. This comes despite winning just three games and finishing joint last in the NFL. Their 80.2 (B-) grade ranks them ninth, ahead of playoff teams like the Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Kansas City Chiefs. Sterling Xie explains their strong performance in a losing campaign.
“The Browns finished with a 40% pressure rate without blitzing, best in the NFL. That resulted in the ninth-best defense by pass success rate and the eighth-lowest third-down conversion rate allowed.”
Garrett leaving this defense would undoubtedly make them plummet in terms of their league rank. If they can get the right package, though, a deal is not quite ruled out yet.