Cleveland Browns Star Myles Garrett Requests Trade Amid Team Turmoil

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Myles Garrett, the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has officially requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns, a significant development for one of the league’s top defensive players. On February 3, Garrett expressed his desire to leave the team during a statement marking the end of his relationship with the franchise that selected him first overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Browns General Manager Andrew Berry addressed the media last Tuesday, saying, “I think you can assume that we do anticipate at some point doing a third contract with Myles. We want him to retire here.” Despite this, Berry noted that if the Browns received two first-round picks for Garrett, they would reconsider their position.

Current odds from DraftKings Sportsbook indicate a fluctuating situation for Garrett’s future, with the Browns now at +170 to retain their star, compared to -110 just last week. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles have seen their odds improve from +500 to +220 amid speculation about their interest in the defensive standout.

Throughout his eight seasons in Cleveland, the 29-year-old Garrett has established himself as a dominant force in the NFL. He is a four-time first-team All-Pro selection, six-time Pro Bowler, and notably led the league with 22 tackles for loss as part of his consistent performance despite the team’s lack of playoff success. In his career, Garrett has recorded at least 10 sacks in each season other than his rookie year.

However, Garrett’s request stems from his frustration with the team’s performance over the years. He has played in just three playoff games and holds a lone victory in the postseason. In his own words, Garrett stated, “The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton; it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.” His comments underscore his desire for the team to align with his championship aspirations.

A meeting intended to address his trade request with Browns owner Jimmy Haslam was reportedly rejected, leading to increased tension between Garrett and the organization. In his statement, Garrett mentioned that he feels the franchise’s direction does not match his competitive goals, saying, “I have a lot of love for Cleveland, but it’s always for me been about competing for championships.”

The Browns, who finished last season with a disappointing 3-14 record, currently face uncertainty at the quarterback position with Deshaun Watson recovering from a second Achilles tear. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski has publicly stated that Garrett is integral to the future of the franchise, insisting that he remains an important part of the team’s plans.

As negotiations and speculation continue, the landscape of the NFL may change significantly based on where Garrett ultimately lands.