Speculation remains rampant about the Washington Commanders making a bold trade for Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett. One respected insider fanned the flames with a bold proclamation regarding this bombshell possibility becoming a reality.
Garrett is unhappy with the Browns' direction and doesn't want to waste his remaining good years on a struggling team. The All-Pro officially handed in a trade request and doubled down on this stance during his appearances on Radio Row before the Super Bowl. However, the AFC North organization isn't entertaining the prospect of moving one of the league's best players regardless of position.
The Commanders are being strongly linked with a daring raid for Garrett. While the compensation would be steep if Cleveland became more receptive to offers, this represents the sort of aggressive acquisition that general manager Adam Peters should consider with the need to maximize quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie contract.
Washington's window for a Super Bowl is open. Garrett won't solve everything, but the former No. 1 overall selection out of Texas A&M gets them much closer.
Commanders named as most likely trade destination for Myles Garrett
This was a sentiment echoed by Bill Barnwell of ESPN. The respected analyst named the Commanders as the most obvious landing spot for Garrett. He believes they have the cap space to make this move, something that would give Dan Quinn a prolific defensive cornerstone to build around long-term.
"The Commanders are the most obvious and consequential landing spot for [Myles] Garrett. They have the championship potential, the financial flexibility, and the clear and obvious need for pass-rushing help. Garrett would be the transformative player Quinn's defenses have usually needed to thrive. When Quinn has built top-10 defenses, they've required superstars to make things work, such as Bobby Wagner, Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman in Seattle and Micah Parsons in Dallas. Garrett would give Quinn a chess piece who makes everybody else on the defense a little scarier, which could be hugely valuable for a team that's going to need to draft a lot of defensive help over the next few years."Bill Barnwell
It seems obvious enough from the outside looking in. Getting an agreement worked out is more complicated.
The asking price will be astronomical — two first-round picks and more. Garrett would probably want a market-resetting contract extension at some point to further complicate matters.
That's left fans skeptical. They're concerned about mortgaging the team's future when there are so many other needs to fill. At the same time, opportunities like this don't come along every day.
Garrett is an elite game-wrecker. He's someone opposing teams have to specifically scheme to counteract. Adding him to a defense that includes Daron Payne, Johnny Newton, Frankie Luvu, Mike Sainristil, and Marshon Lattimore is a mouthwatering proposition.
Nothing could be ruled out at this early stage of the offseason. Peters will put a call into the Browns — as will everyone else around the league. Whether it amounts to anything more is anyone's guess.
The Commanders are being perceived differently in NFL circles after a memorable run to the NFC Championship game. Acquiring Garrett has the scope to strike fear into anyone unfortunate enough to be in their way.
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