Myles Garrett to Washington? Analysts see Commanders as trade contenders

The Washington Commanders are early favorites in the Myles Garrett sweepstakes after the Cleveland Browns’ perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate requested a trade on Monday. For the first time in years, the District looks like an attractive trade destination for one of the NFL’s top stars.

Garrett’s trade demand didn’t surprise many in the league as a championship run appears out of reach due to the Browns’ abysmal quarterback situation. The underperforming Deshaun Watson — and his $230 million contract — still tops Cleveland’s depth chart.

“While I’ve loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won’t allow me to be complacent,” Garrett, one of the league’s premier edge rushers, wrote in a statement. “The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.”

Analysts around the NFL were quick to project where the four-time All-Pro could end up. Washington topped many of their lists.

“The Washington Commanders should be on the phone right now trying to figure out how to get Myles Garrett to the D.C. area,” ESPN analyst and former NFL defensive lineman Marcus Spears said. “Because that team has a lot of cap space, they’re ripe and [coach] Dan Quinn is the defensive coordinator. Myles Garrett might have 30 sacks if he ends up in Washington.”

“[The Commanders] are the team on everybody’s mind because of the cap space,” ESPN analyst Mina Kimes said. “And also because they fit Myles Garrett’s parameters: they are a contender.”

The betting markets agree. Speculative odds from the BetOnline sportsbook listed the Commanders as second in the running for Garrett, trailing only the rival Dallas Cowboys. According to BetOnline, Washington has a 16.67% chance of landing the six-time Pro Bowler with +500 odds.

Some players in the NFC East are already starting to prepare for potential matchups with the Texas A&M product.

“Have a gut feeling me and [New York Giants tackle Andrew Thomas] bout to play Myles twice a year,” Giants offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor wrote on X.

The Commanders’ front office, led by general manager Adam Peters, has refused to comment on any specific offseason plans. But after an unexpected NFC championship run, Peters said improving the roster would be a priority.

“Every team starts again at the bottom,” Peters noted last week. “And so, this season’s over; we’re 0-0, and every single day we’re just going to have to try to get better.”

With $82 million in expected cap space this year, the Commanders have the flexibility to absorb Garrett’s $20 million cap hit over each of the next two seasons. Without a large quarterback contract on the books, they’d likely be able to afford to extend the pass rusher, too.

And Washington needs help rushing the passer. Defensive tackles Jon Allen, Daron Payne and Jer’Zhan Newton anchor the interior of the line, but there are question marks at the edge. Defensive ends Clelin Ferrell, Jalyn Holmes and Dante Fowler will all become free agents this offseason.

But an aggressive offseason approach appeals to team owner Josh Harris.

“We’re going to be talking to other teams where we can find players that are great at what they do and fit our culture and are great teammates and are situationally aware and hit hard and are tough,” he said Monday. “We’re going to get them to come.”

Despite Garrett’s request, Browns general manager Andrew Berry has said he has no plans to ship away the pass-rushing star. He might not have a choice. In theory, Garrett could accept fines until Cleveland acquiesces.

The bidding war for Garrett’s services could price some teams out of the market. Most experts expect the trade offers for the game wrecker to begin with a pair of first-round picks.

To appease Garrett, a viable suitor would likely need a franchise quarterback on a rookie contract to contend for the future. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, the likely Rookie of the Year, fits that bill for Washington.

“Anybody who wants to come here, there’s a lot of attraction about this football team,” Commanders guard Sam Cosmi said last week. “Especially with No. 5 back there.”