According to an NFL insider, Myles Garrett’s trade to an NFC East team would be “very surprised.”

The speculation surrounding Myles Garrett, the Cleveland Browns’ star pass rusher, being traded to an NFC East team has captured significant attention across the NFL. As one of the most dominant defensive players in the league, Garrett’s potential availability has prompted numerous rumors about possible destinations, including teams in the NFC East. However, according to NFL insiders, the possibility of Garrett being traded to an NFC East team is highly unlikely, with one insider even stating that they would be “very surprised” if it happens. This article will explore why a trade involving Garrett to an NFC East team is improbable, looking at the factors influencing the situation, including financial constraints, team dynamics, and the general consensus around the league.

Myles Garrett: A Franchise Player for the Browns

Myles Garrett has been a cornerstone of the Cleveland Browns’ defense since being selected first overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. Known for his elite athleticism, relentless pass-rushing abilities, and impact on games, Garrett has established himself as one of the best defensive players in the NFL. Over his career, he has accumulated multiple Pro Bowl selections, First-Team All-Pro honors, and has led the league in sacks in various seasons.

The Cleveland Browns, despite experiencing some ups and downs in recent years, have consistently built their defense around Garrett. He is the unquestioned leader of the defensive unit and a player they have leaned on to create disruption, pressure quarterbacks, and change the course of games. Garrett is the type of player that organizations build their identity around, and that is exactly what the Browns have done. His impact on games goes beyond just sacks — his ability to command attention and demand double teams opens up opportunities for other players on the defense.

For these reasons, it is no surprise that the Browns have been publicly adamant about their desire to retain Garrett. According to reports, Cleveland has made it clear that Garrett is not on the trading block, and they intend to keep him as a central figure for years to come. The organization views Garrett as an invaluable asset to their long-term success, making it highly unlikely that they would willingly part with him in a trade.

The Financial Reality of a Myles Garrett Trade

One of the key factors in the improbability of a Myles Garrett trade — particularly to a team in the NFC East — is the financial burden that comes with his contract. Garrett signed a massive five-year, $125 million extension with the Browns in 2021, making him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL. His contract includes significant guaranteed money and high annual salaries that would be a challenge for many teams to absorb, particularly teams in the NFC East.

In addition to Garrett’s sizable base salary, the structure of his contract would make it difficult for teams to fit him under their salary cap. The NFC East teams, like many other NFL teams, are already managing tight salary caps, and the financial gymnastics required to acquire Garrett would be significant. For teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders, or New York Giants, finding a way to fit Garrett’s contract into their payroll would be a difficult task without making significant moves elsewhere.

The Philadelphia Eagles, for example, have been linked to Garrett in some of the trade rumors, but the Eagles are already facing a challenging cap situation heading into 2025. While the Eagles have been known for their cap management and ability to restructure contracts to create space, the addition of Garrett’s contract would likely require significant cuts or trade of key players to make room. NFL insider Ian Rapoport, among others, has pointed out that the financial reality of trading for a player of Garrett’s caliber would be difficult for teams like the Eagles, especially considering their current cap constraints.

The NFC East’s Need for Myles Garrett

While Garrett’s ability and dominance as a pass rusher are unquestioned, the need for him within the NFC East is not as clear-cut. Every team in the division has a relatively strong defensive line, and while adding a player like Garrett would undoubtedly improve any of these teams, it is not as pressing a need as it may seem.

The Philadelphia Eagles, for example, are coming off a Super Bowl appearance and have one of the most complete rosters in the league, including a formidable defensive line. They have a number of star players, such as Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, and rookie sensation Jalen Carter, who have been vital to their defensive success. While adding Garrett would enhance an already elite pass rush, the Eagles’ primary focus might be on bolstering other areas, such as the secondary or quarterback position, rather than pursuing an expensive trade for another pass rusher.

Similarly, the Dallas Cowboys already have an elite pass rusher in Micah Parsons, one of the most disruptive defensive players in the league. While Garrett would certainly be a fantastic addition to any team, the Cowboys’ priority might lie elsewhere, especially given the need to balance their salary cap and address other roster needs.

For the Washington Commanders, a team that has frequently been linked to Garrett in trade rumors, the need for a player like Garrett is arguably more pressing. The Commanders have a solid defensive line but lack a consistent pass rush presence. However, even for a team with this need, the trade would likely require giving up valuable assets and a significant chunk of salary cap space. Washington’s front office would need to weigh the long-term financial commitment of acquiring Garrett versus other potential moves in free agency or the draft.

The Cleveland Browns’ Reluctance to Trade Garrett

Another major reason why the trade to an NFC East team seems unlikely is Cleveland’s commitment to Garrett. The Browns have spent years building their defense around Garrett, and it would take a monumental shift in their plans for them to consider parting ways with him. While there has been some speculation that the Browns could entertain trade offers for Garrett, the reality is that it would take an overwhelming package to convince Cleveland to move on from their franchise player.

Cleveland’s front office, led by General Manager Andrew Berry, has been clear that Garrett is a foundational piece of the team’s defensive identity. The Browns’ defense has improved significantly over the years, with Garrett at the forefront of their efforts. Trading him would not only leave a gaping hole on the defense but would also be a step backward for a team that is still trying to build toward consistent playoff contention.

Moreover, Garrett is one of the few transcendent talents on the Browns’ roster, and trading him would signal a shift in the team’s overall direction. It would raise questions about the franchise’s commitment to winning, especially if they were to move on from a player of Garrett’s caliber for anything less than a blockbuster return. While the Browns are not in immediate championship contention, they view Garrett as a key piece of their defensive puzzle, and trading him to a divisional rival like an NFC East team would seem counterproductive.

NFL Insider Insights on Garrett Trade Rumors

NFL insiders, including Ian Rapoport, have consistently expressed skepticism about the possibility of a Myles Garrett trade, especially to an NFC East team. Rapoport specifically stated that he would be “very surprised” if such a trade were to occur. This sentiment is shared by many analysts across the league, who view the idea of Garrett being traded as unrealistic given the various challenges involved.

From a financial perspective, the move is nearly impossible for most NFC East teams without significant sacrifices in other areas of the roster. The Eagles, for instance, have their own financial constraints and would need to make substantial moves to accommodate Garrett’s salary. The Cowboys, while having a strong defense, may not have the pressing need to add another elite pass rusher when they already have Parsons. The Commanders, who do have a need for more pass-rushing power, would likely be unable to match the Browns’ asking price without depleting their own assets.

Additionally, the Browns’ reluctance to part with Garrett further complicates the idea of him being traded, especially to an NFC East team. Even if the Browns were to entertain offers, they would likely prioritize teams outside of their division to avoid bolstering a rival. The Browns would also need to receive a substantial package in return, something that NFC East teams may not be willing to part with.