Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett revealed his simple recruiting pitch to free agent quarterback Russell Wilson during Wilson’s recent visit to the Browns’ facility.
At a press conference, Garrett was asked about whether or not he was in the building for the sole purpose of recruiting Wilson or if it was happenstance. The Athletic’s Zac Jackson posted Garrett’s response on X, writing, “I won’t take you to the ground three or four times a year.”
Myles Garrett Pitches Browns to Russell Wilson
The quote is a reference to Garrett sacking Wilson four times in the Browns’ two games against the Steelers in 2024. Three of Garrett’s sacks came in a classic snow game on the Thursday before Thanksgiving, with Cleveland winning 24-19. Wilson’s numbers were solid, completing 21 of 28 passes for 270 yards and a touchdown.
Myles Garrett on his pitch to Russell Wilson
"I won't take you to the ground three or four times a year."
Asked if he was here yesterday to recruit Wilson or just happened to be here: "little bit of both."
— Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) March 14, 2025
In the second game, Garrett got to Wilson once as Pittsburgh went on a 24-0 run in the second and third quarters to even up the 2024 series.
Wilson has been exploring new opportunities after his pit stop with Pittsburgh. Despite his entry into the twilight of his career at 36, Wilson is one of the top quarterback options in free agency, especially for teams seeking a veteran leader.
Even after the Browns traded away Dorian Thompson-Robinson for Philadelphia Eagles backup Kenny Pickett, Cleveland would love to land a dependable starter. Jameis Winston, who started games in 2024, remains unsigned in free agency. Deshaun Watson is expected to miss the entire 2025 season due to an Achilles injury. Selecting a quarterback in the 2025 NFL draft is also in consideration. Wilson represents a sturdy beam to bridge the gap.
Garrett praised Wilson as a “valuable asset” who could mentor younger players and contribute significantly to the team’s success. Garrett’s involvement in the recruiting process is interesting, considering he demanded a trade to a team who would contend for the Super Bowl. In his request, Garrett cited money wasn’t the motivating factor for wanting to leave.
Rumors ran wild as analysts predicted Garrett would be traded to the Washington Commanders or the Buffalo Bills, with Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins publicly recruiting Garrett in multiple interviews and appearances on TV. The Browns owner, Jimmy Haslem, was thoroughly skewered for refusing to meet with Garrett with critics calling the organization a “prison sentence.”
As surprising as Garrett’s trade demand was, even more shocking was the Browns signing him to a historic, record-breaking contract extension. The four-time All-Pro and former Defensive Player of the Year has gone from the recruited to the recruiter.
One wonders if Wilson got the opportunity to discuss the volatile rollercoaster of events with Garrett. From an outsider’s perspective, the turbulence and toxicity are hard to ignore. But, positioning Wilson as the stabilizing piece of the Jenga tower could be the sell. Getting revenge on the Steelers twice a season could be an added incentive.
A fairly significant mark in the con column would be Wilson’s relationship with former Denver Broncos teammate and current Browns receiver Jerry Jeudy.
Wilson’s visit to the Browns was followed by a meeting with the New York Giants, another QB-needy team. On ESPN’s “Get Up”, former NFL GM and current ESPN analyst, Mike Tannenbaum warned Wilson, “If you go to the New York Giants, it will be the professional grave.”
Garrett’s recent contract extension and recruitment efforts for Wilson show that the six-time Pro Bowler is taking a more proactive role in shaping the team and building a competitive roster.