“Just felt it was time, you know. I had taken my time after the season, you know, kind of relaxed and decompressed emotionally, wanted to distance myself a little bit and spend a little time talking to my family about, you know, really how we’d feel about this decision.” Myles Garrett shook the NFL world when he requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns. But the situation is reportedly getting worse with this for the franchise.

Myles Garrett expressed his love for the city and team but also mentioned his wishes “about contending for championships, winning those big games, and winning Lombardis.” The defensive end was brutally honest that the Browns haven’t been in the winningest category for a while now. Hence, he requested a trade for himself. However, another report of the week tells that his buddy too might leave in this situation.

According to Browns’ beat writer Mary Kay Cabot, on January 5, the locker cleanout day, cornerback Denzel Ward, surprised the Browns’ facility. He called himself and Myles Garrett as Kobe and Shaq of the team. So, what will Kobe do if Shaq leaves the team? Well, Ward made it clear – he will pack his bags too.

Explaining his stance, Denzel Ward clearly stated on Wednesday, “(The trade request) has a huge impact, honestly. I want to play with Myles Garrett. He’s a Hall of Fame player. I came in the league, he was on the team and that’s my guy. So I’ve been talking to him and I know he said he wants out, but you’ve just got to hear where he’s coming from. He wants to win, so we’ll see what the near future holds.” After Myles Garrett, Ward’s statement caused double trouble for the Browns’s GM, Andrew Berry.

However, that doesn’t mean Ward is not interested in staying with the Browns. He is, as he mentioned, “I’m not going to say I don’t want to be here. I definitely want to be in Cleveland and play for Cleveland, but I think it’s just tough. I would hope we wouldn’t trade a guy like Myles Garrett away. That would be hard to see….I want to play with Myles though.” Ward still has three seasons on his contract, and if the Browns trade him before June 1st, they would take a $30 million dead cap hit.

So, that means, if Myles Garrett leaves and Ward follows, Cleveland wouldn’t just lose two-star players – it would also cripple their cap space. It’s because, as per ESPN, trading Garrett before June 1, would bring a hefty dead cap charge of $36 million. And that’s definitely a huge amount. Nevertheless, GM Andrew Berry has already expressed that he wouldn’t trade Garrett. But as the defensive end himself wants to leave for a more successful team, no Berry, no Ward, or no one else could stop him.

As for the 29-year-old, “It’s never been about the Hall of Fame for me. It’s not about money or records. It’s all, you know, you’re remembered for winning, bringing a trophy back home to your city.”

Myles Garrett sees his wish come true with Jayden Daniels

In NFL history, Myles Garrett became the only player to record 14-plus sacks in 4 consecutive seasons. He has even been selected to the 2025 Pro Bowls for the sixth time in his eight-year NFL career with the Browns. With such a talent, he can be a great asset for any team. So, why not Jayden Daniels’s Commanders? After all, Garrett wants to be there.

In a Wednesday interview with Sports Illustrated, Myles Garrett mentioned, “I’ve thought about the squads that could use a guy like me, and the Washington Commanders are among them. I think they need a pass-rusher. I think that’s something they dearly missed in the playoffs and some of their big games. I feel like I could fill that role.”

No doubt, Washington surprised the league this season. With rookie QB Jayden Daniels leading the charge, they stormed to a 12-5 record and made their first NFC Championship Game in 33 years. But one thing was clear: their defense wasn’t built for the big stage. They struggled to pressure quarterbacks all year, ranking 22nd in the league.

They managed just two sacks even in their crushing 55-23 loss to the Eagles. So, that’s a problem overall. And who knows, Myles Garrett might be the answer.

However, the catch is – the star pass rusher is on the market, but he won’t come cheap. He’s got a $125 million contract, and teams would need to give up at least one first-round pick to land him. Hence, it would be a huge decision for Washington. Do they build around their young quarterback? Or do they take a swing at greatness and bring in a game-changer like Myles Garrett?