After a trade request within the organization on Monday, the Browns will receive plenty of calls centered around All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett. Should Elliot Wolf and the Patriots come calling, how would Cleveland view New England as a potential trade partner for Garrett?
The last thing anybody in the Browns front office wanted to see this afternoon was a statement from their superstar pass rusher requesting a trade. Now, they have no choice but to field calls and find a suitor for Garrett.
Before New England comes calling, it’s important to consider what the framework for a trade of this magnitude could look like. Garrett made it clear what he wants — a championship —but would the Patriots have the assets to give the Browns what they want?
At the Senior Bowl last week, general manager Andrew Barry told team reporters he wouldn’t trade Garrett for two first-round picks. Based on these comments, the Browns may be looking for a blockbuster return. One similar to what the Raiders received when they sent Khalil Mack to the Bears in 2018. If first-round picks in back-to-back years and another top-100 draft pick are what Barry and the Browns need in return for Garrett, the Patriots have the firepower to pull it off.
How the Patriots Could Trade For Myles Garrett
Draft and Quarterback Capital
New England has the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the same draft in which Cleveland picks second overall. The Patriots could headline their trade package with the fourth overall pick. They could sell the Browns on the idea of selecting twice within the top five selections in the draft and add additional compensation to their offer. Whether that be a first-round pick in 2026 or helping Cleveland solve their quarterback dilemma.
Joe Milton is balling in his debut! 48-yard TD pass to Boutte!
: #BUFvsNE on CBS/Paramount+
: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/u2W48Voqvr
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025
Joe Milton would be an appealing piece for a team needing a cheap quarterback for the 2026 season. He carries a cap hit under one million dollars for the next three seasons and has shown starting-caliber tools. Cleveland could pencil him in as their starting quarterback next season if the Patriots included him in their trade offer.
Championship Pitch to Myles Garrett
The Patriots have the assets to meet the return the Browns want in this potential trade. However, they may not have what Myles Garrett wants. New England can use their $ 131 million in cap space to give Garrett a massive extension. But he doesn’t want money. He wants to be a championship contender.
On paper, the Patriots are a couple of years from that label. But there are reasons to believe they can be a contender with the addition of a player like Garrett. Over the previous two drafts, they have selected Drake Maye and Christian Gonzalez, two franchise players. They’re projected to have over $130 million in cap space. Not to mention, they just hired Mike Vrabel, who worked with Garrett last year in Cleveland.
It’s tough to see it making sense for both sides. Garrett wants a contender and the #Patriots aren’t in a spot to trade a boatload of picks for one player.
That said, it’s Myles Garrett. You absolutely need to make the call and see if you can get him for a reasonable price. https://t.co/ewiCstCLrU
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) February 3, 2025
The likelihood of Garrett winning a Super Bowl next season in New England is about as high as it would be in Cleveland. But maybe he developed a strong connection with Vrabel last season. The two of them together could lead the charge of a young, long-standing, contending team in Foxborough.
Main Photo: Jeff Lange – Imagn Images
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