The Cleveland Browns are confronted with a challenging situation as Myles Garrett asks for a trade. The All-World superstar ranks among the top players in Browns history and would be greatly missed by teammates, supporters, and the management.
Nevertheless, Garrett is eager to exit, and he has expressed his readiness to do anything necessary to depart. Should the Browns decide to trade him, they require a significant return, and a suggested deal from Colton Pouncy of The Athletic would offer them exactly that from the Detroit Lions.
Browns receive: 2025 first-round selection (No. 28) and third-round selection, 2026 first-round selection and QB Hendon Hooker.
Lions receive: Garrett and a fourth-round selection in 2026
“Bringing in a veteran such as Garrett might involve neglecting their own needs.” That by itself might stop them from even talking about this.
“Nonetheless, Garrett is among the select group of players for whom one could justify making an exception.” He’s a Hall of Fame player, still at his peak, aiming for victory. The entry cost is likely two first-round picks, given the potential bidding war that may arise. In this situation, Pouncy stated, the Lions would trade their upcoming two first-round picks, their 2025 third-round compensatory selection and Hooker in exchange for Garrett and a fourth-round pick in 2026.
“I simply sensed, after stepping back from the season,” Garrett remarked, as reported by Ashley Bastock of Cleveland.com, “that during this brief period to unwind, to engage in discussions with my family, to seek their advice, to process various emotions, and also to communicate with the Browns’ management, I came to realize that at this moment, I don’t perceive our future as being in line with winning right now, which is what I aspire to achieve at this stage of my career.”
In his justification, a victory would enhance his legacy, and for a player who might be remembered as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, the Browns currently cannot provide him with that opportunity.
Denzel Ward Addresses Garrett’s Trade Demand
Departing from the Cleveland Browns will affect not just fans but also the management. The ones most affected by this will be the players.
Whether it’s related to Garrett’s performance on the field or his contributions in the locker room, Denzel Ward praised him but also recognizes his perspective.
“[Garrett’s request] really makes a significant difference, to be honest,” Ward informed Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. “I want to compete with Myles Garrett.” He’s a player in the Hall of Fame. I joined the league, and he was part of the team and that’s my dude. I’ve been having conversations with him, and I understand he mentioned wanting to leave, but you really need to consider his perspective. He aims to succeed, so we’ll find out what the upcoming days bring.
“I wish to be in Cleveland,” Ward informed Cabot. “I aspire to triumph.” I’m certainly monitoring what Myles is up to and his activities. I’m simply curious about how everything unfolds. As I mentioned, I wish to play alongside Myles Garrett, and we just need to be patient and see what happens.