On February 3, current Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns. The former first-overall pick publicly requested the trade on Monday morning, which shocked the entire National Football League.

What Caused Garrett to Request the Trade

Garrett, a six-time Pro Bowler and the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year has spent his eight-year career with the Browns after being drafted first overall in 2017. He has recorded double-digit sacks in all but his rookie season. Although Garrett signed a five-year, $125 million contract extension, it ultimately led to him not being a part of the Browns’ rebuild. One of the main factors behind Garrett’s trade request is the Browns’ lack of a capable quarterback, compounded by their limited draft capital and salary cap space. They could at least expedite their much-needed rebuild by trading Garrett for a package of premium picks or players.

The Impact of Myles Garrett’s Trade Request on the NFL

This request has major implications for the NFL, as every team in the league should have at least some interest in the generational edge rusher. However, only a handful of Super Bowl contenders may have a realistic chance to land Garrett. It remains unclear what the Browns will want in return for their star pass rusher. He could cost NFL teams only one first-round pick, along with some additional Day 2 selections.

Potential Teams Myles Garrett Could Land With

There are multiple teams that Garrett could land with if the Browns receive an offer they can’t refuse.

Chicago Bears: Cleveland Browns receive: 2025 first-round pick (likely No. 10 overall), 2025 second-round pick (No. 41 overall), 2025 fifth-round pick (No. 149 overall), and Cornerback Kyler Gordon.
Chicago Bears receive: Myles Garrett.

The Bears are familiar with acquiring an elite edge rusher in his prime, reminiscent of their trade for Khalil Mack ahead of the 2018 season. While the Bears might not be willing to give up as much capital as they did for Mack (two first-round picks, a third-rounder, and a sixth-rounder), they shouldn’t hesitate to offer a package highlighted by the No. 10 overall pick. Adding Garrett would supercharge a Chicago defense that struggled in 2024, recording only 40 sacks and 11 interceptions. Pairing him with Montez Sweat would create a devastating duo that would terrorize opposing quarterbacks. It may take one of Chicago’s second-round picks and either a third-round pick or a starting-caliber talent like Kyler Gordon to sweeten the deal. This would be worthwhile for a Bears team aiming to compete in the rugged NFC North.

Green Bay Packers: Cleveland Browns receive: 2025 first-round pick (No. 23 overall), 2025 second-round pick (No. 54 overall), 2025 third-round pick (No. 87 overall).
Green Bay Packers receive: Myles Garrett.

The Packers have been a fringe contender since Jordan Love emerged as a franchise quarterback but still lack a leader to spearhead their defense. After a disappointing Wild Card Round exit, they need to make a splash move this offseason to improve their Super Bowl chances. Garrett would be the biggest defensive acquisition since the Packers signed Reggie White in 1993. Adding Garrett, who has recorded double-digit sacks in each of the past seven seasons, would elevate the Packers’ defense even further.

Kansas City Chiefs: Cleveland Browns receive: 2025 first-round pick (No. 31 or 32 overall), 2025 second-round pick (No. 63 or 64 overall), 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 132 or 133 overall), and Edge Mike Danna.
Kansas City Chiefs receive: Myles Garrett.

The Chiefs are already positioned to make a run at their third Super Bowl victory in the last five years, and adding Garrett could solidify their defense even further. Although they may face challenges fitting Garrett’s salary under the cap, it’s possible that Garrett would be willing to take less than his market value in pursuit of a championship. The Chiefs should take advantage of this opportunity to continue their unprecedented success.

New England Patriots: Cleveland Browns receive: 2025 first-round pick (No. 4 overall), 2025 third-round pick (No. 69), 2025 third-round pick (No. 77), 2025 fifth-round pick (No. 145), and QB Joe Milton III.
New England Patriots receive: Myles Garrett.

The Patriots have the potential to make a huge turnaround under head coach Mike Vrabel, following a disappointing 2024 season. Garrett would provide an instant upgrade to a defense that struggled last season, particularly in pressuring quarterbacks. While the Patriots may not be the perennial contender Garrett is hoping for, the team has promise with young talent like Drake Maye and Christian Gonzalez. With plenty of cap space and valuable draft capital, New England could be a serious contender for Garrett’s services.

Washington Commanders: Cleveland Browns receive: 2025 first-round pick (No. 29 overall), 2025 second-round pick (No. 61 overall), 2025 third-round pick (No. 79 overall), 2025 fifth-round pick (No. 148 overall).
Washington Commanders receive: Myles Garrett.

The Commanders’ impressive 2024 season ended in the NFC Championship Game, and they will need to address weak points and add top-tier talent to break through to the Super Bowl next year. Garrett would be a game-changer for Washington’s defense, which recorded just 43 sacks last season. The Commanders’ new ownership group has shown a willingness to make bold moves, and Garrett would help solidify their defense and propel them into Super Bowl contention.

Overall, Myles Garrett’s trade request has set off a major ripple effect in the NFL, with several teams poised to pursue him once the offseason begins