An ESPN commentator suggests a daring trade for the Bears to get Myles Garrett of the Browns.
In the cutthroat world of the NFL, teams are always looking for ways to improve their rosters, strengthen their weaknesses, and ultimately build championship contenders. For the Chicago Bears, a franchise steeped in defensive tradition, one of the most tantalizing prospects for their future could be a potential trade to acquire Cleveland Browns superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett. Recently, an ESPN commentator proposed just such a daring move, igniting the discussion around the possibility of Garrett joining the Bears to anchor their defense.
Garrett, widely regarded as one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL, has consistently been a game-wrecker for the Browns. His combination of size, strength, athleticism, and pass-rushing ability has made him one of the league’s top defensive players. But with the Browns in a state of flux and the Bears desperately seeking a cornerstone defensive player to pair with young quarterback Justin Fields, could Garrett be the key to transforming the Bears’ defense and making them legitimate Super Bowl contenders? Let’s take a closer look at why this proposed trade is so intriguing, what it could mean for both teams, and whether or not the Bears should take the plunge and make a move for Myles Garrett.
Myles Garrett’s Impact on the NFL
Before diving into the specifics of a potential trade, it’s crucial to understand why Myles Garrett is such a coveted player in the NFL. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns as the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Garrett wasted no time in establishing himself as one of the premier pass rushers in the league. Standing 6’4” and weighing 272 pounds, Garrett possesses an ideal combination of size, speed, and strength that allows him to dominate offensive linemen with ease.
Over the course of his career, Garrett has consistently posted double-digit sack totals, including a career-high 16 sacks in the 2021 season. He has the ability to get after the quarterback in a variety of ways—whether it’s with his elite burst off the line, his powerful bull rush, or his ability to bend the edge and beat offensive tackles around the corner. Garrett is not just a sack artist either; he’s also a disruptive force in the run game and an all-around defensive playmaker. His presence on the field demands attention from offensive coordinators, often resulting in extra blockers and more attention from the opposing offense.
Garrett’s skill set, along with his ability to change the course of a game with one play, has cemented his place among the best defensive players in the NFL. As the Bears look to rebuild and transform their defense, bringing in a player like Garrett could provide an immediate jolt of energy, credibility, and star power that the team desperately needs.
The Chicago Bears’ Current Defensive Needs
While the Bears have a rich history of defensive dominance, in recent years, they have fallen short of their lofty expectations. The team has struggled to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback, an issue that has plagued them for some time. While players like Roquan Smith and Robert Quinn have provided leadership and production, the Bears have lacked that true superstar defensive player who can take over games in the way Garrett does for the Browns.
In the 2022 season, the Bears ranked near the bottom of the league in total defense, and their pass rush was nonexistent at times. They finished 29th in the NFL in sacks, with only 20 sacks as a team. To put that into perspective, Myles Garrett himself posted 16 sacks in the 2021 season, meaning he was nearly as productive individually as the entire Bears defensive unit. The Bears’ defense simply needs an elite player who can consistently pressure the quarterback, disrupt the pocket, and create turnovers. Garrett would instantly become the focal point of their defense, making life significantly easier for the rest of the defensive unit.
Furthermore, the Bears’ current defense lacks a true “face” of the franchise. While they have talented players, none have yet risen to the level of being a game-changing, all-pro player capable of being a consistent difference-maker. The addition of Garrett would provide the Bears with that foundational piece—someone who can not only help win games but also inspire the rest of the team and fanbase. With Garrett leading the defense, the Bears could begin to establish a fearsome, hard-nosed identity once again—one that reflects the franchise’s rich history of dominant defenses like the 1985 Bears.
The Case for the Trade
ESPN commentator’s suggestion to trade for Myles Garrett is undoubtedly an intriguing one. While the Browns may not actively be looking to trade Garrett—he is, after all, one of the most valuable players on their roster—the idea of the Bears acquiring him through trade is enticing for several reasons.
1. A Game-Changing Defensive Presence
As previously discussed, Garrett would provide the Bears with a premier pass rusher, someone who can immediately upgrade the defense. By pairing Garrett with promising young players like linebacker Roquan Smith and cornerback Jaylon Johnson, the Bears would have a defense capable of both generating pressure and locking down the secondary. Garrett’s ability to disrupt the opposing quarterback would force offenses to alter their game plans, opening up opportunities for the Bears’ defensive backs to make plays. Simply put, Garrett’s presence would raise the ceiling for the entire defense.
2. Elevating the Defense Around Him
The Bears have some promising young talent on defense, but they are still in the process of developing a cohesive and consistent unit. Garrett’s leadership and ability to command respect would help elevate the level of play around him. His impact as a locker room leader cannot be underestimated. On a team full of young, up-and-coming defensive players, having a proven veteran like Garrett would help speed up the development of the team’s future stars. Garrett can teach younger players how to approach the game, how to study film, and how to elevate their play on a weekly basis. The effect of his leadership on the Bears’ defense would be felt immediately.
3. A Long-Term Investment
While trading for Garrett would certainly come at a high price, the long-term rewards could be substantial. The Bears have the financial flexibility to take on Garrett’s contract, which pays him an average of $25 million per year. This is a significant amount, but it’s a contract that would be worth the investment, given Garrett’s status as one of the top defensive players in the league. The Bears could afford to make this move, especially with Garrett under contract through the 2026 season. His contract would not only make him an integral part of the team’s defense for the next several years but also solidify his role as a team leader during this critical rebuilding phase.
4. Strong Fit with the Bears’ Scheme
Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus runs a 4-3 defensive scheme that relies heavily on the ability to create pressure with the front four. Garrett is a perfect fit for this scheme, as he has the speed, power, and technique to dominate as a defensive end in a 4-3 alignment. His skills are tailored for the type of defense that the Bears are building under Eberflus, which makes him a seamless fit into their plans.
What the Bears Would Have to Give Up
Of course, no trade comes without its challenges. The Cleveland Browns would certainly demand a significant return for a player of Garrett’s caliber. The Bears would likely need to offer a combination of draft picks and young players in exchange for the star pass rusher. The Browns would be looking for a package that includes at least one first-round pick, potentially more depending on the specifics of the deal.
The Bears also have other trade chips they could include, such as offensive players who could fill gaps on the Browns’ roster. Trading for Garrett would come with a significant cost, but for a player of his caliber, the price is justified—especially for a team like the Bears, who are looking to rebuild around a young quarterback and need to improve their defense drastically.
Should the Bears Make the Move?
The idea of trading for Myles Garrett is undoubtedly an exciting one, and it would significantly elevate the Bears’ defense. However, it’s not without risk. The Bears would have to part with valuable draft picks and players to land Garrett, which could set back their long-term rebuilding efforts. But considering the importance of a dominant pass rusher in today’s NFL, Garrett could be the player who pushes the Bears’ defense from mediocre to elite.
If the Bears are serious about competing for a Super Bowl in the next few seasons, adding a player like Myles Garrett would provide the necessary punch on defense to make that a reality. His leadership, ability to disrupt the quarterback, and all-around play would complement the Bears’ young offense, led by Justin Fields.
While the price may be steep, the acquisition of Garrett could provide the Bears with the foundational defensive piece they’ve been missing for years. If the opportunity presents itself, the Bears should strongly consider pulling the trigger on a trade for Myles Garrett, as it could be the missing link in their quest to return to greatness.
