Should the Chicago Bears make massive trade offer to Browns for superstar Myles Garrett?
The Chicago Bears have long been one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, but recent seasons have left fans and analysts questioning the direction of the team. Despite flashes of individual brilliance, including the potential of young quarterback Justin Fields, the Bears have struggled to build a consistent, competitive roster. One area where the Bears have faced significant challenges is on defense. While the team has shown some promise in recent seasons, it’s clear that they need to make major improvements if they are to become true contenders in the NFC.
Enter Myles Garrett, the Cleveland Browns’ superstar defensive end, who has been one of the most dominant forces in the NFL since entering the league in 2017. Garrett’s exceptional ability to rush the passer, disrupt offenses, and change the course of games has earned him a reputation as one of the top defensive players in the league. The question that has begun to surface is whether the Chicago Bears should make a massive trade offer to the Browns for Garrett, a move that could have significant implications for the team’s defense and long-term future.
In this article, we will explore the case for and against such a trade, evaluating the potential benefits, drawbacks, and overall feasibility of the Chicago Bears acquiring Myles Garrett.
The Case for the Bears Pursuing Myles Garrett
- Transforming the Defense
The most immediate and obvious reason for the Bears to consider trading for Myles Garrett is the opportunity to transform their defense. Garrett is one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the NFL, having posted double-digit sack totals in nearly every season since his rookie year. His ability to consistently pressure quarterbacks and alter the opposing offense’s game plan makes him an elite game-changer. A player of Garrett’s caliber could significantly elevate the Bears’ defense, which has struggled to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback in recent years.
In 2022, the Bears ranked 27th in the NFL in sacks, with a total of just 20. While their defense showed flashes of potential, particularly against the run, the lack of a consistent pass rush was a major hindrance to their overall performance. Garrett’s ability to create pressure off the edge would immediately address one of the team’s most pressing needs. With a dominant pass rusher like Garrett, the Bears would be able to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, allowing their secondary to perform at a higher level and ultimately increasing their chances of defensive success.
- Pairing Garrett with Young Talent
Another compelling argument for the Bears to pursue Garrett is the potential to pair him with their current and future defensive assets. The Bears have a young, talented roster that includes promising players like linebacker Roquan Smith and cornerback Jaylon Johnson. Adding a superstar like Garrett to this mix would provide a solid foundation for a defense capable of competing with the league’s best.
Furthermore, Garrett’s presence would help take some of the pressure off of other key defenders. With a player of Garrett’s caliber on the field, offensive lines would have to account for him on every snap, which would open up opportunities for other pass rushers to make an impact. For example, someone like linebacker Trevis Gipson, who showed flashes of potential in 2022, could benefit greatly from Garrett’s attention, potentially creating a more dynamic pass rush overall.
- A Defensive Identity for the Bears
The Bears have long been known for their defensive identity, from the legendary defenses of the 1985 Bears to the more recent dominance of players like linebacker Khalil Mack. However, in recent years, the team has struggled to maintain a consistent and intimidating defense. Garrett would immediately restore that feared defensive identity, giving the Bears a legitimate defensive weapon who can change the course of a game with one play.
Garrett’s style of play is perfect for a franchise looking to build a foundation on defense. He is relentless, athletic, and incredibly skilled, and his ability to make plays at crucial moments could help the Bears regain their position as one of the top defensive teams in the NFL.
- A Trade Could Accelerate the Bears’ Rebuild
While the Bears are still in the early stages of their rebuild, acquiring a player of Garrett’s caliber could speed up the process. Having a proven superstar on defense would not only improve the team’s chances of competing for a playoff spot but would also provide a morale boost to both the locker room and the fanbase. With Garrett leading the defense, the Bears could focus their attention on strengthening other areas, such as the offensive line and wide receiver corps, while knowing that they have a cornerstone piece on defense to build around for the future.
Garrett’s arrival could also serve as a signal to the league and potential free agents that the Bears are serious about becoming a contender in the NFC. It could help the team attract other key players and establish a culture of winning, which would go a long way in turning the franchise around.
The Case Against Trading for Myles Garrett
- The Cost of Acquisition
While Myles Garrett’s talent is undeniable, the price to acquire him would likely be astronomical. The Browns are unlikely to part with Garrett unless they receive a king’s ransom in return, and the Bears may not have the assets to meet the Browns’ asking price. Given Garrett’s status as one of the top pass rushers in the league, it’s almost certain that the Browns would demand multiple first-round picks, perhaps additional draft capital, and potentially even a proven player or two in return.
For the Bears, giving up significant draft capital, particularly high-round picks, could be counterproductive to their long-term rebuild. Trading away multiple first-round picks for Garrett would severely limit the team’s ability to add young talent and address other needs on the roster. The Bears’ front office has made it clear that they are focused on building a sustainable, long-term roster, and a move like this could jeopardize that vision by putting too much emphasis on short-term success at the expense of future flexibility.
- The Financial Burden
Myles Garrett is one of the highest-paid players in the NFL, and his contract represents a significant financial commitment. Garrett signed a five-year, $125 million extension with the Browns in 2021, and he carries a cap hit of over $25 million per year. While Garrett’s contract is certainly justified by his talent, it could pose a challenge for the Bears, who are still in the process of rebuilding their roster and have limited cap space.
Taking on such a massive financial burden could prevent the Bears from addressing other critical areas of need, particularly along the offensive line or at wide receiver. The team may also need to allocate resources to extending key players like Justin Fields and other young assets in the coming years. Given the salary cap constraints that every team faces, committing such a large portion of the cap to one player could limit the Bears’ flexibility and hinder their ability to build a well-rounded, competitive roster.
- The Bears’ Current Roster Needs
While the Bears’ defense certainly could use a player like Garrett, it’s important to recognize that the team has significant needs on the offensive side of the ball as well. Justin Fields is the future of the franchise, but he needs more weapons, protection, and support to reach his full potential. The Bears have one of the worst receiving corps in the NFL, and their offensive line is far from elite.
Instead of making a massive trade for a defensive player, the Bears might be better served by focusing their efforts on strengthening their offense. Acquiring more weapons for Fields, particularly at wide receiver and tight end, could provide a more immediate impact in terms of the team’s overall success. Additionally, addressing the offensive line through free agency or the draft should be a priority, as Fields needs better protection to develop into a top-tier quarterback.
- Potential Locker Room Chemistry Issues
Another consideration is the potential impact of such a high-profile trade on the team’s locker room chemistry. While Garrett is undoubtedly a fantastic player, integrating a superstar into an evolving team requires careful management. Players might become discontent if they feel like the organization is overcommitting resources to one player, especially when other areas of the roster remain underdeveloped.
Furthermore, the Bears would need to ensure that Garrett’s presence does not overshadow the development of other key players, particularly Justin Fields. Building a cohesive team culture is critical to any rebuild, and the Bears would need to balance the arrival of a superstar with the continued growth of their younger players.
Should the Bears Trade for Myles Garrett?
The decision of whether the Chicago Bears should pursue a trade for Myles Garrett is a complex one, with both compelling reasons for and against such a move. On one hand, Garrett would provide an immediate upgrade to the Bears’ defense, offering a game-changing pass rusher who could alter the trajectory of the team’s future. His presence would be invaluable in helping the Bears build a feared defense and could accelerate their rebuild process.
However, the cost of acquiring Garrett—both in terms of draft capital and financial commitment—could be prohibitive. The Bears need to prioritize building a complete, well-rounded team, and investing too heavily in one defensive player may not be the wisest course of action. Additionally, the Bears have pressing needs on the offensive side of the ball that should not be ignored in favor of a high-profile defensive acquisition.
Ultimately, while Myles Garrett is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in the NFL, the Chicago Bears may be better off continuing their rebuild without making a massive trade for him. Instead, they should focus on developing their young talent, particularly Justin Fields, and building a more balanced, sustainable roster.
