Myles Garrett's trade request shook the NFL world. The defensive end became increasingly disillusioned by the Cleveland Browns' concerning predicament and took matters into his own hands. That immediately came with speculation linking him with a bombshell switch to the Washington Commanders.
Analysts and fans instantly projected the Commanders as a potential landing spot for Garrett. They have the draft capital and salary-cap space to make Cleveland an enticing offer and absorb his contract. The AFC North team hasn't entertained the notion of moving the perennial All-Pro, but it's a fluid situation.
The Commanders opened their Super Bowl window under the new regime immediately. Dan Quinn's culture shift and quarterback Jayden Daniels' exceptional rookie year propelled Washington to the NFC Championship game. This allows general manager Adam Peters to be more aggressive throughout the recruitment period in pursuit of sustained growth.
Marcus Spears believes Commanders are well-positioned to make Myles Garrett trade
Adding Garrett wouldn't be cheap, but it represents a game-changer of epic proportions. This was a sentiment echoed by former Dallas Cowboys player turned ESPN analyst Marcus Spears, who thought the Commanders should do everything in their power to bring the former No. 1 pick out of Texas A&M into the fold.
"I don't think the Cleveland Browns have a clear direction. A lot of the things that are transpiring in Cleveland are a reverberation of the contract they gave to Deshaun Watson that put them in flux. I'll say this, the Washington Commanders should be on the phone right now, trying to figure out how to get Myles Garrett to the D.C. area. Because that team has a lot of cap space, they're ripe, and they have Dan Quinn. Myles Garrett might have 30 sacks if he ends up in Washington."Marcus Spears
"The Washington Commanders should be on the phone right now trying to figure out how to get Myles Garrett to the DC area."@mspears96 on Myles Garrett requesting a trade from the Browns 👀 pic.twitter.com/V6HV7szVeF
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 3, 2025
Placing Garrett on Washington's defensive front within Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s schematic concepts is a mouth-watering proposition. He's among the league's elite regardless of position. It's an area of need for the Commanders, but this is far from a foregone conclusion.
The Browns will demand a king's ransom if they become receptive to offers in the not-too-distant future. Some fans are reluctant to part ways with significant draft capital, scarred by the rash moves under previous owner Dan Snyder. However, this one would be different from anything Washington has pulled off previously.
Peters is aggressive and strikes with conviction when opportunities arise. The front-office leader knows that maximizing Daniels' rookie contract over the next couple of years is crucial before things get more complicated. Acquiring Garrett would be a major statement of intent to strike fear into the entire league.
Perhaps this is a leverage play from Garrett to get more money. But looking at the Browns' quarterback situation and the fact they are way behind others within the division, this seems more than an empty threat.
The Commanders, and countless others around the NFL, will be keeping a close eye on developments. Cleveland still holds the cards with Garrett, who has two more years remaining on his deal. At the same time, they might relent to his demands after everything he's given to the organization with very little in return.
It'll be interesting to see what the future holds. Peters would be foolish not to inquire. Whether it amounts to anything more is debatable.