When former defensive player of the year Myles Garrett made a public and formal request for a trade away from the Cleveland Browns, the rest of the NFL was left stunned.
Garrett made it clear that his intentions for the trade request had nothing more to do than trying to compete for a championship at the end of the day.
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“While I’ve loved calling this city my home,” Garrett wrote. “My desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won’t allow me to be complacent. The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl. With that in mind, I have requested to be traded from the Cleveland Browns.”
Garrett’s decision to begin to force a trade to a contender is normally a big nothing-burger for a team like the New York Jets.
But his immediate request could spell doom for the future of the franchise for one reason only.
As things stand right now, the Buffalo Bills continue to reign supreme in the AFC East. They have won the division for five years running, and are looking desperately for an every-down edge defender to turn their defense into a group that can finally knock off the Kansas City Chiefs.
Garrett carries a cap hit of $19 million in 2025. That number, while large for any player, is not as big as other top defenders in football.
It’s why a team like the Bills is being rumored to – and maybe even should be expected to – create enough cap space to do everything in their power to acquire a top player like the All-Pro.
And why the Jets are in deep trouble if they do.
There are many teams that are going to want Garrett’s services that are in need of edge rushers. Top contenders in the NFC – the place Cleveland would arguably be happier to send the star – include the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and even the upstart Washington Commanders.
But if Buffalo comes through with the best offer, it could very well keep them in power of the division for years to come.
And make life even harder than it is for the Jets and their fanbase.
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