Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is frustrated. After a disappointing three-win season and little hope for immediate success, the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, four-time first-team All-Pro, and six-time Pro Bowler has officially requested a trade.
San Francisco 49ers fans have to wonder—will general manager John Lynch pick up the phone? Adding a dominant pass rusher like Garrett, who has recorded at least 14 sacks in each of the past four seasons and has only dipped below 10 once (as a rookie in 2017), could significantly elevate the 49ers' defense.
"As a kid dreaming of the NFL, all I focused on was the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl -- and that goal fuels me today more than ever," Garrett shared via a statement. "My love for the community of Northeast Ohio and the incredible fanbase of the Cleveland Browns has made this one of the toughest decisions of my life. These past eight years have shaped me into the man that I am today.
"While I've loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won't allow me to be complacent. The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.
"With that in mind, I have requested to be traded from the Cleveland Browns."
Browns general manager Andrew Berry recently stated he has no intention of trading Garrett, even if offered two first-round draft picks. However, Garrett's public request could shift the dynamics, making a trade more plausible if the two sides can't reach a resolution.
Surrendering draft picks wouldn't be the only hurdle for an interested team. Financially, the move wouldn't come cheap. Garrett has two years remaining on his contract, which once topped the market for defenders. His $25 million annual salary now ranks fifth among edge rushers, with 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa leading the pack at $34 million annually.
According to OverTheCap.com, Garrett's cap hits are $19.7 million in 2025, $20.4 million in 2026, and a massive $40.9 million in 2027—a void year.
Would you like to see the 49ers make a move for Myles Garrett? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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