The NFL offseason is a lot like a Texas BBQ pit—low, slow, and full of smoke. Right now, the smoldering question in Cleveland is whether Myles Garrett, the Browns’ generational pass rusher, will stick around to see if the sauce ever thickens. Fresh off a 3-14 season, Garrett’s trade request has lit a fuse across the league. But Browns GM Andrew Berry isn’t rushing to the fire extinguisher.

Instead, he’s doubling down, insisting Garrett stay put. On Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine, Berry dropped a hammer. “We can’t imagine a situation where not having Myles as part of the organization is best for the Browns,” he said, swatting away rumors like a grizzly bear shooing flies.

Despite Garrett’s public frustration—“The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl”—Berry called trade requests “normal” and reaffirmed, “We’re not interested in moving him.” Translation: Garrett’s 102.5 career sacks and four All-Pro nods aren’t hitting the auction block. But here’s where things take a turn.

Enter the Philadelphia Eagles. Fresh off a Super Bowl LIX win, they’re lurking like a hawk eyeing a rabbit. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports Philly would “step in” to block division rival Washington from snagging Garrett. Why?

Imagine pairing Garrett with Jalen Carter—a nightmare for NFC East QBs. “Keep in mind, the Browns are a hard ‘No’ and are still telling teams they have no interest in trading Myles Garrett—if he were to become available, several teams will be in that, and maybe the Eagles will be one,” Fowler said. “Cancel the season,” joked analyst Domonique Foxworth. But Washington isn’t backing down.

With $82 million in cap space and permission to shop DT Jonathan Allen, they’re hungry for a splash. Garrett’s $137 million extension, ask? Pocket change. But Berry’s price tag? Think three first-rounders plus starters—a king’s ransom even for Dan Snyder’s old checkbook. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s quarterback chaos isn’t helping.

Garrett’s legacy vs. Cleveland’s reality

Deshaun Watson’s Achilles re-tear leaves the Browns scrambling. Berry admitted, “Improving the quarterback play, that’s a big part of the offseason.” But with the No. 2 draft pick, could they lure Garrett back by drafting Shedeur Sanders or trading for Matthew Stafford?

Unlikely. As Garrett told Rich Eisen, “I just don’t think we’re aligned on where the team is going in the near future.” Garrett’s no stranger to loyalty. Drafted first overall in 2017, he’s endured 0-16 seasons and playoff heartbreaks. But at 29, his window is narrowing. On Feb 3, Garrett expressed his wish for a trade. Meanwhile, Berry knows history.

Trading a DPOY in his prime? The Herschel Walker deal comes to mind—a cautionary tale of overpaying. Philly’s Howie Roseman is a deal-making savant. If he offers Cleveland a haul—say, a 2025 first-rounder, a 2026 second-rounder, and Haason Reddick—would Berry bite?

Unclear. But Roseman’s mantra—always compete—means he’ll push chips in. Besides, this saga’s a cocktail of ego, ambition, and cold business.

Garrett wants rings; Berry wants leverage. The Eagles and Commanders crave dominance. As Sun Tzu wrote, “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” But whose opportunity is it? Will Garrett’s Canton path detour through Philly, or will Berry’s stubbornness keep him Lake Erie-bound?

One question lingers: In a league where loyalty fades faster than a halftime lead, who blinks first?