NFL insider would be ‘very surprised’ if Myles Garrett were traded to NFC East team

NFL Insider Would Be ‘Very Surprised’ If Myles Garrett Were Traded to NFC East Team

In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of the NFL, rumors about trades and player movements are a constant topic of conversation. The mere mention of a potential trade involving a star player, especially someone of the caliber of Myles Garrett, can send shockwaves through the league. Garrett, the standout defensive end for the Cleveland Browns, is widely regarded as one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL, and the thought of him being traded to any team would instantly ignite debates among fans, analysts, and insiders alike.

Recently, an NFL insider made waves by suggesting that they would be “very surprised” if Garrett were to be traded to an NFC East team. This statement has fueled much speculation, given Garrett’s reputation and his integral role within the Browns’ defense. For those who follow the NFL closely, understanding why such a move would be surprising is essential, as it touches on factors ranging from Garrett’s impact on the Browns’ defense to the unique dynamics of the NFC East. This article will explore the reasons behind this insider’s comments, the current state of Myles Garrett’s career, and the broader context of trade rumors in the NFL.

Myles Garrett: A Force on the Defensive Line

Before diving into the trade speculation, it’s important to understand just how impactful Myles Garrett has been for the Cleveland Browns. Garrett was selected as the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and since his arrival, he has proven to be one of the most dominant defensive players in the league. With a rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism, Garrett has the ability to disrupt offenses in a variety of ways.

Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 272 pounds, Garrett possesses the physical tools of a prototype pass rusher. His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage allows him to quickly collapse the pocket and pressure opposing quarterbacks. Garrett’s ability to combine speed and power makes him a matchup nightmare for offensive tackles, and his relentless motor ensures that he remains a constant threat throughout the game.

As of the 2023 NFL season, Garrett has accumulated impressive statistics that cement his status as one of the league’s elite defensive players. With over 70 sacks and multiple Pro Bowl appearances under his belt, Garrett’s place among the top defensive ends in the league is firmly established. His playmaking ability on the field has been a cornerstone for the Browns’ defense, which has made strides in recent seasons.

Beyond his individual accolades, Garrett’s leadership on the defensive side of the ball has been invaluable for the Browns. His presence has elevated the play of those around him, making the defensive line one of the most formidable units in the league. As the team continues to build around him, Garrett’s importance to the Browns cannot be overstated.

The NFL Insider’s Comments: “Very Surprised” at a Trade to the NFC East

The statement from the NFL insider suggesting that they would be “very surprised” if Myles Garrett were traded to an NFC East team raised eyebrows across the league. The NFC East, home to historic franchises like the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders, is a division that garners national attention each year due to the fierce rivalries and passionate fanbases. A player of Garrett’s caliber joining one of these teams would undoubtedly be a major story.

At first glance, the idea of Garrett being traded to an NFC East team might seem unlikely. He is under contract with the Cleveland Browns, a team that has made significant investments in their defense in recent years. The Browns’ commitment to Garrett is evident, and with his status as a franchise player, the thought of trading him within the conference—and especially to a team in a division with which the Browns could face off in future playoff scenarios—raises some concerns.

Several factors contribute to the notion that a trade involving Garrett to an NFC East team would be highly surprising. Let’s break them down:

1. Cleveland’s Investment in Garrett

The Cleveland Browns have consistently built their defense around Myles Garrett. As their franchise defensive player, Garrett is the centerpiece of a defense that has made strides in recent seasons. While the Browns have had their ups and downs as a team, Garrett’s impact on the field has been undeniable. It would be a bold move for the Browns to trade away their best player, especially considering the growing success of their defense.

Cleveland has invested heavily in building a competitive roster around Garrett. They’ve brought in other key defensive pieces, such as Denzel Ward and recent high-profile signings in free agency, to complement Garrett’s talents. As the team’s primary pass rusher, Garrett’s ability to disrupt the quarterback has been a significant factor in Cleveland’s defensive success. Trading him away would be a huge step back in their long-term plans.

Given the Browns’ current trajectory, which includes a competitive AFC North division and the team’s desire to make a playoff push, trading Garrett—arguably their best and most impactful player—would set them back considerably. For Cleveland to entertain the idea of trading Garrett, there would need to be a monumental shift in their team-building philosophy, one that would probably involve a complete rebuild. As of now, such a move does not appear to be in the cards for the Browns.

2. The Financial Commitment to Garrett

Myles Garrett is under contract with the Browns for several more seasons, and his current contract reflects his status as one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL. Garrett signed a five-year, $125 million extension with the Browns in 2020, making him one of the most well-compensated pass rushers in the league. His financial commitment to the team is a major factor that complicates any trade scenarios.

The salary cap implications of trading Garrett would be substantial. While the NFL’s salary cap system allows teams to make trades, such a move involving a player of Garrett’s stature would involve intricate financial calculations. The team that acquires Garrett would inherit his massive contract, which could be a deterrent to many teams—particularly those in the NFC East, where some teams are already dealing with significant cap concerns. Additionally, the Browns would face significant dead cap hits, which could make a trade an impractical option for a team with aspirations of competing in the short term.

The financial considerations make it less likely that Garrett will be moved, especially to a team within the NFC East that might not have the cap space or the willingness to take on such a hefty contract.

3. The Rivalries and Competitive Landscape of the NFC East

The NFC East is home to some of the NFL’s most historic and passionate rivalries. Whether it’s the Cowboys versus the Eagles, or the Giants taking on Washington, the games within this division are always hard-fought and highly competitive. For the Browns to trade Garrett to an NFC East team would be an interesting decision, as it could strengthen a division rival significantly.

When it comes to divisional trades, most teams are reluctant to deal their star players to direct competitors, particularly when those competitors are in a division that is already highly competitive. Trading a player of Garrett’s caliber to a rival within the NFC East could give that team a significant advantage—something that is especially risky in the long term.

Given Garrett’s impact as one of the league’s premier pass rushers, his arrival on an NFC East team could shift the balance of power within the division. For teams like the Eagles, Cowboys, and Giants, already potent defenses could become even more dangerous with Garrett on the roster. The Browns would have to weigh the risks of strengthening a direct competitor by sending Garrett to a division rival.

4. The NFC East’s Roster and Need for Myles Garrett

While the NFC East teams have their own strengths, there are only a few that could be seriously interested in Garrett. The Eagles, for instance, have built a formidable defense in recent years, with talented pass rushers like Haason Reddick. Similarly, the Cowboys and Giants both have solid defensive lines but may not be in a position to justify the financial cost of acquiring Garrett.

The Washington Commanders, on the other hand, could be a potential suitor given their already strong defensive front, but they are unlikely to make a move for Garrett given their ongoing efforts to build a more balanced and sustainable roster.

In terms of team need, the NFC East’s squads may be better off allocating resources toward other positions rather than investing heavily in a pass rusher like Garrett, who would demand both significant salary cap space and trade assets in return.

5. The Culture and Stability of the Browns’ Organization

Another important factor is the culture and stability that the Cleveland Browns have been working to establish in recent years. The team has made significant progress under head coach Kevin Stefanski, and Garrett has been at the heart of this transformation. The Browns’ leadership likely views Garrett as a key part of their long-term success and an important leader in their locker room.

Trading Garrett, especially to a division rival, could signal a lack of commitment to the team’s future. The Browns are looking to build a culture of competitiveness and sustained success, and dealing a player of Garrett’s caliber could undermine those efforts.