GO DEEPER Myles Garrett formally requests trade from Browns Atlanta Falcons Browns get: 2025 first-round pick (No.
The Falcons’ roster has too many depth holes to fill to give away a lot of draft picks.
— Josh Kendall Buffalo Bills Browns get: 2025 first-round pick (No.
62), fourth-round pick, 2026 first-round pick, DE A.J.
— Chad Graff GO DEEPER Trading Myles Garrett is Browns’ best path to speed up — and embrace — a rebuild San Francisco 49ers Browns get: 2025 first-round pick (No.
Myles Garrett, an all-pro defensive end, has asked to be traded. Although the Cleveland Browns have maintained that they will not be moving Garrett, the public request will draw serious suitors, and given their roster gaps and overly large contracts, the Browns may be forced to change their strategy.
The Browns would only trade Garrett when they felt compelled to, and doing so would require several valuable assets. The Browns may inquire about quarterbacks and would definitely be open to acquiring players who are still on rookie contracts, even though it is probably not feasible to acquire a starting quarterback due to the shortage of them.
Cleveland is therefore open to business for this exercise, but only for substantial and serious offers. GM Zac Jackson, a writer for the Browns, isn’t just giving Garrett away. Just as Andrew Berry, the Browns’ real general manager, won’t. Make offers that are appropriate.
DIVE IN FURTHER.
Myles Garrett formally approaches the Browns to request a trade.
Atlanta Falcons.
The Browns receive a 2025 first-round pick (No. 15) and a first-round selection in 2026.
Garrett is acquired by the Falcons.
The Falcons would be taking a chance by making this move, but if a top edge rusher is available, they must at least assemble all the decision-makers and hold a meeting. Rushing the passer is a notorious weakness of the Falcons. They finished last in the NFL for the previous five (141) and ten (298) seasons in terms of sacks, and they were 31st this season (31).
They can’t, however, overpay. Due to the lack of depth on the Falcons’ roster, many draft picks must be given up. However, because it already has top-tier offensive talent and all of its defensive players would be improved by Garrett’s arrival, Atlanta could afford to send out its 2025 and 2026 first-round picks. Anything more than that would be excessive because, even with Garrett on the team, they are still very much in the running. — Josh Kendall.
Buffalo Bills.
The Browns receive a first-round pick in 2025 (No. 30, a second-round selection (No. 62), 2026 first-round selection, DE A, fourth-round selection. J. . CB Kaiir Elam and Epenesa.
Garrett, a 2025 third-round pick (No. 94, through Buffalo) and a sixth-round pick in 2025 (through Minnesota).
The Bills, who have long advocated applying pressure with just their front four, came this close to winning the Super Bowl this season. With the exception of the first half of 2022, when Von Miller tore his ACL and was once again a problem this season, that group has never been consistent enough for Buffalo. Their defensive line would instantly become among the best in the league if they acquired Garrett in his prime, and he would also be a perfect complement to Greg Rousseau as a right defensive end.
According to general manager Brandon Beane, the offer is enormous. Two years of firsts are included, along with the better of a Day 2 and Day 3 pick swap, a replacement defensive end in Epenesa, who started the entire season for the Bills, and Elam, a 2022 first-round pick who would fit in better with a scheme that relies heavily on man coverage, like the one the Browns use. The Bills have the cap space, draft capital (probably 11 picks after the compensatory picks are revealed), positional need, and Super Bowl window to close this possible deal. — Buscaglia Joe.
Chicago Bears.
2025 first-round pick for the Browns (No. 10), a second-round selection (No. 41) and a first-round pick in 2026.
The Bears receive Garrett.
It is not too dissimilar from the Khalil Mack trade of 2018, when Mitch Trubisky was entering Year 2 and Matt Nagy was a first-time head coach for a Bears team coming off a last-place finish, so why not make the move now? The Bears figure to have a three-year window before they hope to extend quarterback Caleb Williams and other draft picks.
The roster Ben Johnson takes over should be competitive in 2025 and beyond thanks to an upgraded offensive line. The Bears can use their second-round pick from Carolina (No. 1) if they are able to sign guard Trey Smith in free agency. 39) on a different offensive lineman, they would still be fine.
They wouldn’t need to acquire an edge rusher with Garrett on board. For new coach Dennis Allen, it would be one of the best defensive end combinations in the league when paired with Montez Sweat. The offensive line mentioned earlier is the issue.
Given what the Bears need to do up front, a large free-agent acquisition and one early-round draft pick might not be sufficient. Perhaps this would work out better in a year, but even though the roster is better than its 5-12 record, is it good enough to be Garrett away from a deep playoff run? — Kevin Fishbain.
Detroit Lions.
2025 first-round pick for the Browns (No. 28) and quarterback Hendon Hooker, a first-round pick in 2026, and a third-round pick.
The Lions receive a 2026 fourth-round pick and Garrett.
Let me start by stating that this would be a significant change from the roster-building approach used by Detroit’s general manager, Brad Holmes, for the Lions. He has been steadfast in adhering to their strategy, which has centered on developing their own talent, adding free agents when appropriate, and building through the draft.
Amon-Ra St. was just signed. Alim McNeill, Taylor Decker, Jared Goff, Brown, and Penei Sewell all received multi-year extensions close to the top of their respective markets. Next on the list are Aidan Hutchinson and Kerby Joseph. In a year, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, and Brian Branch might all be considering extensions. They might have to sacrifice their own needs in order to accommodate a veteran like Garrett. That might be enough to keep them from even talking about it.
Nonetheless, Garrett is among the select few players for whom an exception could be made and justified. He is a Hall of Fame athlete who is still trying to win and is in his prime. With the potential bidding war, the entry price is most likely two firsts. Under this scenario, Garrett and a 2026 fourth pick would be acquired by the Lions in exchange for their next two first-round picks, their 2025 third-round comp pick, and Hooker.
To replace Garrett, the Browns might select Abdul Carter in the 2025 NFL Draft, try Hooker out in 2025, and wait until 2026 to select a quarterback. A daring move, but one that could make Detroit’s defense a contender for a championship. Alternatively, it might just bring Za’Darius Smith back to team up with Hutchinson in 2025. — Pouncy Colton.
Green Bay Packers.
2025 first-round pick for the Browns (No. 23), DE Lukas Van Ness, and 2026 conditional second-round pick.
Garrett is given to the Packers.
At his season-ending press conference, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst stated that there must be a greater sense of urgency and that it is time for the team to begin contending for championships. The Packers should be in on a future first-ballot Hall of Famer who is still in his prime because he is included in those directives as well. Defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich was recently fired by coach Matt LaFleur following a season in which Gutekunst claimed the pass rush was too erratic. That might be fixed by a six-time All-Pro.
That the Packers send the Browns the No. is my suggestion. Van Ness, a 2023 first-round pick with a lot of potential who hasn’t yet produced, a conditional second-round pick in the 2026 draft that becomes a first if Garrett is selected as a first-team All-Pro in 2025, and the 23rd pick in the 2025 draft.
Gutekunst admitted in January that the Packers don’t usually make moves like this when discussing the possibility of exchanging high draft picks for a proven veteran. This case, however, is unique and deserving of giving up valuable pick capital in order to win a championship, which would further elevate one of the NFL’s top defenses. In addition, Zac Jackson, the Browns’ writer and general manager for this exercise, believes the starting price will be two first-round selections. I’m attempting to negotiate here, folks. — Schneidman Matt.
The Indianapolis Colts.
The Browns receive a first-round pick in 2025 (No. 14), DE Kwity Paye, and a 2026 first-round selection.
Colts receive: Garrett.
Chris Ballard, the general manager of the Colts, stated in his season-ending press conference that he would not, in a desperate move, mortgage the team’s future. A player like Garrett, a four-time first-team All-Pro, might cause him to reevaluate his offseason strategy. Giving up two first-round selections is not an easy task, but Garrett might be a crucial component that helps Indianapolis return to the postseason for the first time since 2020.
In exchange, the Browns would also receive 26-year-old Paye, who finished 2024 with eight sacks. The 2021 first-round pick has shown himself to be a reliable NFL starter, but he hasn’t turned out to be the game-changing player the Colts had hoped for. As Paye’s fifth-year option was picked up by Indianapolis last year, he will earn $13–4 million in 2025, the last year of his contract. If the Browns wish to free up more cap space in 2026, they would then have the option to either keep Paye on for the long run or cut him. — James Boyd.
Chargers of Los Angeles.
2025 first-round pick for the Browns (No. 22), a third-round selection (B. 86) as well as DE Joey Bosa.
The Chargers receive Garrett.
It would be difficult to imagine general manager Joe Hortiz giving up this kind of draft capital in nearly any other situation. However, you must consider the cost and maintain an open mind when the league’s top defensive player may become available.
Over the Cap estimates that Bosa’s 2025 cap hit will be $36.5%. This offseason, the Chargers will probably need to take some action to address that number. By dealing Bosa, they would save $25.4 million. The Browns, who are nearly $40 million over the cap, would pay Garrett’s salary in addition to the dead money from his contract. In terms of reducing Bosa’s 2025 cap hit, Cleveland would have two choices: an extension or a reorganization with void years.
Bosa is in the last year of his contract and will not turn 30 until July, despite having struggled with injuries for the previous three seasons. It might be easier to move on from a top player like Garrett if Bosa is included in the deal. With Mack back, the Chargers would have the league’s top pass-rushing tandem. Daniel Popper: Does the Browns’ return suffice?
The New England Patriots.
2025 second-round pick for the Browns (No. 38) and a first-round pick in 2026.
Garrett is given to the Patriots.
For a superstar like Garrett, some teams might be able to sacrifice two first-round picks, but the Patriots, who are still rebuilding, would find that difficult to accept. However, New England would benefit from a difference-maker like Garrett as they finished the season with the second-to-last pressure rate and the fewest sacks in the NFL.
The Pats have more cap space than any other team and some familiarity with Garrett, so even though this is a lot for a team that is rebuilding, they can still pull it off. Mike Vrabel served as a consultant for the Browns during the previous season, and Eliot Wolf served as assistant general manager for Cleveland for two years. Thus, the Patriots are taking a big chance with this offer to strengthen the defense while keeping the No. fourth overall in this year’s draft. It was Chad Graff.
GO FURTHER IN.
The best way for the Browns to embrace and expedite a rebuild is to trade Myles Garrett.
49ers of San Francisco.
2025 first-round pick for the Browns (No. 11), kicker Jake Moody, a 2026 first-round selection.
Garrett is acquired by the 49ers.
Garrett and Nick Bosa on opposite sides of the defensive line would make the 49ers look like the 2015 Denver Broncos, who won Super Bowl 50 thanks in large part to having two outstanding edge rushers in Miller and DeMarcus Ware. At Levi’s Stadium, the Broncos emerged victorious in that Super Bowl. Are you able to predict the location of the Super Bowl next year? (Answer: Levi’s Stadium).
Yes, by giving up first-round picks, the 49ers can avoid selecting a defensive tackle in this year’s draft or Trent Williams’ replacement at left tackle. The 49ers would also need to decide whether to select a young edge rusher in April, like Georgia’s Mykel Williams, or trade for an experienced player like Garrett.
Furthermore, we take Moody seriously. Originating from the upper Midwest, he likely needs a change of scenery after struggling in San Francisco during the second half of his second season. Dustin Hopkins of the Browns was the only full-time kicker to have a lower field goal percentage than him the previous season. Barrows, Matt.
commanders in Washington.
The Browns receive a 2025 first-round pick (No. 29), OT Brandon Coleman, 2026 first-round pick, and defensive tackle Daron Payne.
Garrett, 2025 fifth-round, and 2026 sixth-round selections are given to commanders.
This is a “massive opportunity” and a new era in Washington, according to managing partner Josh Harris. In particular, how do the Commanders make the most of quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels, who going into his sophomore season is arguably the best quarterback in the down NFC, playing on his rookie contract for at least the next two years?
In light of Daniels’ limited rookie contract window and their run to the conference championship game, it’s time to step up. It appears that the entry point is two first-round selections (or one first-round pick and several Day 2 selections). With Daniels under center, Washington is predicted to select outside of the top 20 (29th this year), so we add two starters.
Coleman started 12 games at left tackle after being selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He could be a long-term starter at guard or tackle thanks to his size and strength. Although Washington needs to increase O-line support rather than decrease it, the Commanders could strengthen the position by focusing on this area in free agency or the second round.
Payne is still a potential starter even though his 2022 Pro Bowl campaign and subsequent four-year, $90 million extension through 2026 were not impacted by his performances. Although Payne’s guaranteed income expires before 2026, he will receive salaries of $19.6 million and $16.4 million over the following two years. Cleveland will receive a compensation pick after the full contract is completed. The Commanders could retain interior strength for 2025 by moving Payne while keeping defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, who could be cut this offseason, and acquiring a future comp pick for Allen. — Standig Ben.
Cleveland also needs young offensive linemen, so I believe Washington’s offer is the best. I believe the Browns would want a 2026 first-round pick, but Washington would bet that the 2026 first-round pick would once more be a late pick. If the Commanders throw in a late 2026 pick and remove cornerback Greg Newsome II from the Browns’ possession (and books) along with his fully guaranteed $13 million 2025 fifth-year option, they might succeed.
Additionally, the Browns could show their supporters (and ownership group) a rebuild right away with four of this year’s first 41 picks plus a 2026 first-round pick, which makes Chicago’s offer alluring. Simply put, that offer is far superior to many of the others.
Although the addition of Hooker adds intrigue to Detroit’s deal, a backup quarterback is insufficient in this case. In order to participate in this bidding, New England would most likely need to add Joe Milton III and another player.
It’s also a good offer from Buffalo. Add Rousseau, disregard the Amari Cooper trade, and give us another call the following day.
Regarding the Chargers, I simply do not see the Browns currently taking on Joey Bosa. Perhaps Rashawn Slater, but any trade involving Garrett would be a part of a deliberate youth movement and teardown. — Jackson.
(Photo courtesy of Getty Images/Greg Fiume).