Browns star Myles Garrett requests trade in public statement

Myles Garrett, the star defensive end for the Cleveland Browns, has shocked fans by publicly requesting a trade from the team that drafted him first overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. The four-time All-Pro and 2023 AP Defensive Player of the Year cited his desire to win a Super Bowl as the primary reason for his decision.

In a heartfelt statement released on Monday, Garrett expressed his love for the city of Cleveland and its dedicated fanbase but emphasized that his ultimate goal has always been to compete for and win a championship. Despite his personal success on the field, including seven consecutive seasons with double-digit sacks and a Defensive Player of the Year award, Garrett believes that the Browns may not provide him with the best opportunity to achieve his Super Bowl dream.

The 27-year-old pass rusher has been a dominant force on the Browns’ defense, consistently wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks and racking up impressive stats. However, Cleveland has struggled to make deep playoff runs during Garrett’s tenure, with only three postseason appearances in eight seasons, including a Wild Card Round loss in 2023.

Garrett still has two years remaining on his five-year, $125 million contract extension with the Browns, but his trade request has put pressure on the organization. General Manager Andrew Berry has been firm in his stance that he has no intention of trading Garrett, even rejecting the idea of two first-round picks in exchange for the star defender.

The Browns are coming off a disappointing 3-14 season, marred by injuries to key players like quarterback Deshaun Watson, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. With uncertainty surrounding Watson’s recovery timeline, Cleveland faces challenges heading into the 2025 season.

As the Browns hold the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft, they may have the opportunity to address their defensive needs with top prospect Abdul Carter from Penn State. However, Garrett’s trade request could shake up the team’s plans and force them to consider their options moving forward.

Garrett’s desire to compete for a championship is clear, and it remains to be seen how the Browns will respond to his trade request. Fans will be watching closely as the situation unfolds, eager to see how it will impact the future of one of the league’s most talented defensive players.