The Washington Commanders are reportedly weighing the possibility of making a blockbuster trade for Cleveland Browns defensive superstar Myles Garrett. With a new regime in place and a renewed focus on building a championship-caliber team, Washington is rumored to be considering an aggressive push to acquire one of the NFL’s most dominant pass rushers.
A Game-Changing Move for Washington?
Under new ownership and the leadership of General Manager Adam Peters, the Commanders are expected to be aggressive in reshaping their roster this offseason. After trading away defensive stars Chase Young and Montez Sweat in 2023, Washington is now searching for an elite presence on the edge, and Garrett could be the answer.
Garrett, a four-time Pro Bowler and perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, is coming off another dominant season in Cleveland. He recorded 14.5 sacks in 2023, consistently wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks. At 28 years old and still in his prime, Garrett would instantly elevate Washington’s defense, pairing alongside Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen to form one of the league’s most imposing defensive fronts.
Would Cleveland Actually Move Garrett?
While the Browns have not publicly indicated that Garrett is available, league sources suggest that a strong enough offer could force them to consider a trade. Cleveland’s front office may be looking to free up cap space and acquire additional draft assets to build around their current roster. With quarterback Deshaun Watson’s massive contract limiting financial flexibility, moving Garrett could provide much-needed resources for the team’s long-term plans.
Washington, armed with multiple high draft picks and financial flexibility under the new regime, has the assets to put together a compelling offer. The team could offer a combination of first-round picks and young talent in exchange for the All-Pro pass rusher, though it remains to be seen if Cleveland would be willing to part ways with their defensive cornerstone.
Challenges to a Potential Trade
Despite Washington’s interest, acquiring Garrett would come with complications. His current contract carries a significant salary cap hit, and restructuring deals or making additional roster moves would be necessary to accommodate him. Additionally, the Browns may demand a premium package that Washington may not be willing to match, particularly given their other roster needs.
Commanders Signal a New Era
Whether or not a deal materializes, Washington’s rumored pursuit of Garrett signals an aggressive mindset from the new front office. The Commanders are determined to reestablish themselves as contenders in the NFC, and making a bold move for a superstar like Garrett would be a statement of intent.
As the NFL offseason heats up, all eyes will be on Washington to see if they can pull off a major trade that would reshape the franchise’s future.
