Myles Garrett sent shockwaves through the NFL on Monday when he publicly requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns. In his statement, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year took aim at Browns general manager Andrew Berry, saying, “The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton; it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.” The 29-year-old’s comment appears to directly reference Berry’s previous remarks regarding the star defensive end’s future with the franchise.
Myles Garrett has requested a trade.
His statement: pic.twitter.com/yx5Q9Exa0V
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 3, 2025
Berry recently expressed his confidence in Garrett’s future with the team, stating, “We feel really good about Myles obviously as a big piece of our future,” during the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. “We’re looking forward to him being on the field. Like I said in my (early January) press conference, we envision him going from Cleveland to Canton when his career is over,” according to the team’s official website.
Garrett’s statement suggests he is aware of the Browns’ desire to retain him, which he seemingly no longer shares. Instead, the No. 1 pick of the 2017 NFL Draft is seeking a trade to a contender to pursue the postseason success that has eluded him since joining the team. In his eight seasons with the Browns, the franchise has made the playoffs only twice: reaching the Divisional Round in 2020 and being eliminated in the Wild Card Round after the 2023 season. This demand follows a dismal 2024 season, where the Browns amassed the second-worst record in the NFL at 3-14 and now hold the No. 2 overall pick in April’s 2025 NFL Draft.
As the 2024 campaign spiraled, Garrett was candid about considering his future options. “I’m not trying to rebuild,” he told reporters in December, per ESPN. “I’m trying to win right now. I want that to be clear when the season ends and we have those discussions. I want clarity on our plans to win.” He emphasized his loyalty to the team that drafted him, but also mentioned the need to prioritize what’s best for himself.
While Garrett had previously indicated a willingness to stay in Cleveland for the remaining two years of his contract, that sentiment seems to have changed. The Browns, for their part, have reportedly stated that they are not interested in trading their star player, despite his recent request.
