PFF Projects Myles Garrett of Texas A&M to Make a Blockbuster Trade
PFF Projects Myles Garrett of Texas A&M to Make a Blockbuster Trade: What It Could Mean for His Future in the NFL
When a player of Myles Garrett’s caliber makes headlines, it’s rarely for a small reason. The Texas A&M alum and current Cleveland Browns defensive star has long been one of the most dominant forces in the NFL. Known for his elite pass-rushing ability, athleticism, and sheer physical power, Garrett has established himself as one of the top players at his position. Recently, a provocative projection from Pro Football Focus (PFF) has stirred up the NFL world, predicting that Garrett could be involved in a blockbuster trade in the near future. This potential trade has raised questions not just about Garrett’s future in Cleveland, but also about what such a move would mean for both his career and the teams involved.
In this article, we will delve into PFF’s projection regarding Myles Garrett, examining the rationale behind such a move, its potential impact on the Cleveland Browns, and what it could mean for Garrett’s future. From his remarkable journey through Texas A&M to his rise as one of the most feared defenders in the NFL, we’ll explore all angles of this potential trade and what it could mean for his legacy.
Myles Garrett: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Before diving into the trade projections, it’s crucial to understand just how important Garrett has become to both his current team, the Cleveland Browns, and to the NFL at large.
Garrett’s path to stardom began at Texas A&M, where he quickly became one of the most disruptive defensive players in college football. At 6-foot-4, 272 pounds, with exceptional speed and strength, Garrett showcased an ability to dominate offensive lines that few defensive players could match. He finished his college career with 31 sacks, including an impressive 12.5 sacks in his final season at A&M, and his prowess as a pass rusher made him a near-unanimous choice for the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Once in the NFL, Garrett lived up to the hype, immediately establishing himself as a top-tier pass rusher. As of the 2023 season, Garrett has racked up over 70 sacks, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and First-Team All-Pro honors. His combination of speed, power, and football IQ makes him an elite edge rusher, and his ability to change the course of games has earned him recognition as one of the top defenders in the league.
Garrett’s impact goes beyond just his sack total. His leadership on the field, his presence in the locker room, and his ability to inspire his teammates are all crucial to the Browns’ defense. Cleveland has built its defensive identity around Garrett, and he’s often the player opposing teams have to game-plan for. His versatility allows him to rush from both the left and right side, and he is equally effective against both the run and the pass.
However, despite his individual success, the Cleveland Browns have struggled to put together a consistent team capable of making deep playoff runs. This has led to speculation that Garrett, one of the most valuable defensive assets in the NFL, could eventually be traded for the right offer.
PFF’s Projection: The Blockbuster Trade
Pro Football Focus recently projected that Myles Garrett could be involved in a blockbuster trade in the near future, a move that would have far-reaching implications for both Garrett’s career and the NFL landscape. While these types of projections are speculative, PFF’s analysis highlights the unique dynamics that could make such a trade plausible.
Cleveland’s Current Position: A Roster in Transition
The Cleveland Browns, despite having a talented roster, have struggled to achieve the level of success expected from a team built around a player like Garrett. The quarterback position, in particular, has been a source of inconsistency. While Deshaun Watson was brought in to stabilize the offense, the team’s overall performance has been up and down. Cleveland has also experienced significant turnover in its coaching staff over the past few years, adding to the instability.
Despite Garrett’s elite play, the Browns are far from a championship-caliber team. This raises questions about whether Cleveland will be able to make the most of Garrett’s prime years. For a team in the midst of a rebuild or transition, the value of a player like Garrett becomes even more pronounced. The Browns may look to trade Garrett to acquire more assets—whether that be future draft picks, young talent, or cap space—to further their long-term goals.
Additionally, the NFL landscape has shifted in recent years, with teams in need of elite pass rushers looking for instant impact players. As we’ve seen with the likes of Von Miller, Khalil Mack, and Jadeveon Clowney, premier edge rushers are highly coveted, and teams with championship aspirations are willing to pay a high price to acquire them.
Teams That Could Pursue Garrett
Given Garrett’s status as one of the most dominant edge rushers in the NFL, it’s easy to see why several teams could be interested in trading for him. Teams in win-now mode, those on the verge of contending for a Super Bowl, would be particularly drawn to Garrett’s ability to elevate their defense. Some teams that could theoretically pursue Garrett in a trade include:
- Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs have been a perennial contender in the AFC, but their defense has occasionally struggled to keep up with their high-powered offense. Adding a player like Garrett could give Kansas City the edge they need to secure another Super Bowl victory. With Chris Jones and Myles Garrett, the Chiefs could have one of the most formidable pass rush tandems in the league.
- San Francisco 49ers: Known for their aggressive defense, the 49ers are another team that could be a landing spot for Garrett. The 49ers’ defense is already stacked with talent, but adding a player like Garrett would elevate it to historic levels. With Nick Bosa already anchoring their pass rush, adding Garrett would give the 49ers a pass rush that could wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
- Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys have consistently boasted one of the top defenses in the NFL, and the addition of Garrett could put them over the top. With Micah Parsons already a force to be reckoned with, Garrett would form an intimidating pass-rushing duo that could dominate in the NFC.
- Buffalo Bills: The Bills have been one of the top contenders in the AFC, but they’ve fallen short of a Super Bowl appearance. Garrett could be the final piece for Buffalo’s defense, giving them a dominant edge rusher to complement their already impressive secondary.
These teams are all in win-now mode and could see Garrett as the missing piece that would push them into championship contention.
What Could Cleveland Get in Return?
For Cleveland, trading Myles Garrett would be a massive move, both in terms of the player they would be parting with and the assets they would need to acquire in return. As one of the top defenders in the league, Garrett would command a significant return in a trade. Several factors would come into play when determining what Cleveland could receive for Garrett:
Draft Picks
First and foremost, Cleveland would likely want high-value draft picks in exchange for Garrett. Given his talent, the Browns would likely seek multiple first-round picks or a combination of first and second-round picks to ensure they’re acquiring the assets necessary to continue their rebuild. A trade involving Garrett could see the Browns stockpiling picks for both the immediate and long-term future.
Player Packages
While draft picks would be a key component of the deal, Cleveland could also explore the option of receiving young talent in return. A player at a position of need—such as a quarterback, offensive lineman, or another pass rusher—could provide immediate help to the Browns’ roster. By trading Garrett for a package that includes both draft picks and established players, Cleveland could expedite its rebuild and create a more well-rounded roster.
What Does a Trade Mean for Myles Garrett’s Legacy?
A potential trade would undoubtedly alter Myles Garrett’s legacy, both within the context of the Cleveland Browns and in the broader NFL landscape. While Garrett’s impact on the Browns has been undeniable, a trade to a Super Bowl contender could elevate his status to even greater heights.
Playing for a team with championship aspirations would give Garrett the chance to compete for a Super Bowl ring, which is often the final milestone for an NFL superstar. The chance to play for a perennial contender could solidify Garrett’s legacy as one of the all-time greats at his position.
Furthermore, such a move could improve Garrett’s long-term career trajectory, as he would be joining a defense that could enable him to reach new heights in terms of sacks, accolades, and overall impact.
