The Cleveland Browns are facing significant upheaval as star defensive end Myles Garrett has officially requested to be traded. The news, announced on Monday, sent shockwaves throughout the team and its devoted fanbase, many of whom view Garrett as the face of the franchise.
Garrett, who was the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections, expressed the rationale behind his decision—he is motivated by the pursuit of a Super Bowl championship. "With my love for the community of Northeast Ohio and the incredible fanbase of the Cleveland Browns, I have requested to be traded from the Cleveland Browns," said Garrett.
The nine-year veteran's plea has come after the Browns concluded their 2024 season with a disheartening record of 3-14, falling far short of playoff aspirations. This marked the clearest indication yet of Garrett's frustration with the team's direction. "I want the Browns to be able to put me and us in position to win. I'm not trying to rebuild. I'm trying to win right now," he emphasized during his statement.
Despite Garrett's ambitions, the Browns, under general manager Andrew Berry, have firmly stated they have no intention of accommodating his trade request. "We aren't entertaining trade offers for Myles," he commented, reiterative of their position on Garrett as they look toward future seasons.
Garrett's impressive record includes being named the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, achieving 14 sacks, three forced fumbles, and leading the league with 22 tackles for loss over 17 games. He has set high standards on the field, contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts, and during his tenure, has become a central figure both on and off the field.
Berry articulated his confidence in Garrett as being integral to the team's future and his hopes to see him retire as a Brown. "We always have really good and direct two-way communication with our players... we're looking forward to him being on the field," Berry noted shortly after Garrett's request.
The news has sparked concern among Browns fans, many of whom were left struggling to comprehend the potential loss of such a major player. Longtime fan Aiden Crowley articulated the feelings of many, stating, "I was devastated honestly. He [Garrett] embodies what Cleveland is all about." The emotional response from the fanbase is palpable, with some questioning what the future holds for the franchise without Garrett as its defensive anchor.
Garrett's situation poses larger questions about the fate of the team moving forward. Will management attempt to rebuild the relationship and convince Garrett to remain through plans outlining future competitiveness? Or will this lead to yet another rebuilding phase for the team, which many fans are weary of? Garrett's decision reflects his eagerness to leave behind the Browns at this pivotal moment, as he seeks his first Super Bowl opportunity with another team.
Only time will tell how this saga will resolve, but one thing is clear: Garrett is not merely chasing financial gain or personal accolades—this is about his quest for winning. For Browns supporters, losing such a generational talent at the peak of his career would undoubtedly sting deeply, as the franchise grapples with the ramifications of Garrett's potential departure.
With Garrett set to enter the 2025 season under contract for two more years, and the announcement sending ripples through the league, the Browns face intense pressure to respond. The choice looms large—do they honor Garrett's request, or do they stand firm and try to fortify their roster around him? The time for decision-making is upon them. Cleveland's storied history has been marked by fan loyalty and heartbreak, but losing Garrett has raised the stakes even higher.
For now, the ball is firmly in the Browns' court, and the future of both Myles Garrett and the franchise hangs impossibly precarious, resting on the next moves each side will take.