Myles Garrett requests a trade

[TheFunPolice]

12 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

That may be the case. I don’t think that the Browns have a choice but to deal him. If they become the organization that plays hardball, with one of the best players they’ve ever had, they will never be able to get talent again. Agents and players will steer clear. If he sticks to his guns on not negotiating an extension with them, they are really in trouble. They are caught between a rock and a hard place. If they can’t convince him to back off of that position they have to trade him. 

That’s such an interesting thought. It certainly limits the market but may give them the full reset. If that’s the case, they should try to get Ward (although they may have to trade up to do it). I’m not sure he’s perfect but you, in theory, shouldn’t get many chances to pick that high. You hope he becomes a franchise guy. You will have the other assets that you acquired for Garrett (and Watson) and can clean your books up. You could have draft capital, a franchise QB on a rookie deal and boatloads of cap space. It’s like the Patriots model on steroids.

 

I think that's the only way the Browns do it. 

 

In these types of negotiations if you can come in and say "we can solve your biggest problem" that goes a long way. Garrett being upset is probably not looked at as a major problem by the team, because players get upset all the time but usually money talks. 

 

But that albatross of Watson... That might move the needle. It's kind of perfect that he will miss the entire 2025 season (likely) with the reinjured Achilles, because the new team could just stash him on IR, agree with him to stay away from the team on gamedays but get rehab and treatment in the facility, and cut him after the 2025 season, possibly post June 1 to spread the cap pain. 

 

Fans and media would all understand that it was part of the price to pay for a generational talent like Garrett and Watson isn't really part of the team or the plan going forward. 

 

Watson gets paid either way, heals up, and gets to be a free agent when he's healthy. New team gets Garrett for fewer and lower picks. Browns get out of that colossal blunder of a deal and clear the deck. 

 

Unfortunately the Bills could not do this, though, cap wise. 

Edited 21 hours ago by TheFunPolice

[Kirby Jackson]

3 minutes ago, TheFunPolice said:

 

I think that's the only way the Browns do it. 

 

In these types of negotiations if you can come in and say "we can solve your biggest problem" that goes a long way. Garrett being upset is probably not looked at as a major problem by the team, because players get upset all the time but usually money talks. 

 

But that albatross of Watson... That might move the needle. It's kind of perfect that he will miss the entire 2025 season (likely) with the reinjured Achilles, because the new team could just stash him on IR, agree with him to stay away from the team on gamedays but get rehab and treatment in the facility, and cut him after the 2025 season, possibly post June 1 to spread the cap pain. 

 

Fans and media would all understand that it was part of the price to pay for a generational talent like Garrett and Watson isn't really part of the team or the plan going forward. 

 

Watson gets paid either way, heals up, and gets to be a free agent when he's healthy. New team gets Garrett for fewer and lower picks. Browns get out of that colossal blunder of a deal and clear the deck. 

 

Unfortunately the Bills could not do this, though, cap wise. 

Really well thought out and interesting perspective. 🍻

[MiltonWaddams]

10 minutes ago, TheFunPolice said:

 

I think that's the only way the Browns do it. 

 

In these types of negotiations if you can come in and say "we can solve your biggest problem" that goes a long way. Garrett being upset is probably not looked at as a major problem by the team, because players get upset all the time but usually money talks. 

 

But that albatross of Watson... That might move the needle. It's kind of perfect that he will miss the entire 2025 season (likely) with the reinjured Achilles, because the new team could just stash him on IR, agree with him to stay away from the team on gamedays but get rehab and treatment in the facility, and cut him after the 2025 season, possibly post June 1 to spread the cap pain. 

 

Fans and media would all understand that it was part of the price to pay for a generational talent like Garrett and Watson isn't really part of the team or the plan going forward. 

 

Watson gets paid either way, heals up, and gets to be a free agent when he's healthy. New team gets Garrett for fewer and lower picks. Browns get out of that colossal blunder of a deal and clear the deck. 

 

Unfortunately the Bills could not do this, though, cap wise. 

Washington might be able to pull that off AND is a contender that would benefit immensely from Garrett’s acquisition. That’s so impressive based on where they were before last season 

Edited 21 hours ago by MiltonWaddams

[TheFunPolice]

Just now, MiltonWaddams said:

Washington might be able to pull that off AND is a contender that would benefit immensely from Garrett’s acquisition. That’s so impressive based on where they were last season 

 

that team has come so far so fast... 

 

I didn't like the Quinn hire but he seems like a great coach for that team. Their front office is also great. 

 

Daniels is obviously a big part of it, but still.. they are well run 

[Kirby Jackson]

1 minute ago, TheFunPolice said:

 

that team has come so far so fast... 

 

I didn't like the Quinn hire but he seems like a great coach for that team. Their front office is also great. 

 

Daniels is obviously a big part of it, but still.. they are well run 

It’s funny how quickly things changed once Daniel Snyder was out of the picture. I’m not sure if people understand how important ownership actually is. Literally every decision made in a professional sports organization is made by the owner or their vision at least. They ultimately decide what can or cannot happen. 

[BarleyNY]

44 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

That may be the case. I don’t think that the Browns have a choice but to deal him. If they become the organization that plays hardball, with one of the best players they’ve ever had, they will never be able to get talent again. Agents and players will steer clear. If he sticks to his guns on not negotiating an extension with them, they are really in trouble. They are caught between a rock and a hard place. If they can’t convince him to back off of that position they have to trade him. 

 

I’m going to roll some additional insights I’ve gotten into this response. So it’s gonna be long. 

 

I don’t see any negative long term consequences for playing hardball with Garrett. Money talks to players and agents and the Browns spend. No player is walking away from a couple million extra dollars because the Browns made a player play out his contract. If a FA doesn’t want to sign with the Browns because they’re a crapshow, well, that’s already the case. This changes nothing.

 

The issues are thus:

- 2 years left on his contract. That’s four years of control with tags. The players gave up a lot of their ability to force trades like this in the last CBA.

- The Browns were prepared to make him the highest paid defender in league history. He’ll be leaving a ton of guaranteed money on the table if he doesn’t resolve this in some way.

- A big facet of this is agents and players trying to gain a much bigger say in the way teams are run. Similar to the NBA. It should be no surprise that Myles has been talking a lot with Lebron. It should come as no surprise to see the Browns targeted for this since they already bucked league standards by giving Watson a fully guaranteed five year contract. What better team to go after?

- Here’s the biggest issue. If the Browns trade Garrett it destroys their cap flexibility. As of now his contract can provide relief. That’s the case whether it stays as is or gets replaced by a new one. If he’s traded they get hit with a huge charge. Double whammy. So if he’s traded, then they’re looking at a tear down and 2-3 year rebuild. There’s no way that Berry and Stefanski survive that. The decision would have to be Haslam’s alone and he’s not tanking the team while trying to get a stadium deal done. All three of them are vested in having a decent 2025 season at minimum. 

- The recent statement by Garrett’s agent seems to be nothing more than a response to Berry’s comments at the Combine. They couldn’t do nothing. But it doesn’t mean anything new either. Notably they reiterated the they were not interested in an extension. Prior to that word was that he would get a new contract with the old one torn up. So there’s some cover there for the agents. 

- I know Beane and many other GMs have inquired, but Berry has not engaged any of them. No listening to offers. Just “no”.

 

So the likely outcome is that this simmers for a while, the Browns make some moves (FA, trade, draft) and it gives Garrett cover to say that the Browns did what he demanded (to some degree at least). Then he can take his huge new truck of money or, if he still really wants out, kick the can a year when it at least would be possible to trade him. That’s what I have so far. 

[finn]

1 hour ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Oh man, I couldn’t disagree more. The Bills don’t need to get younger or deeper. They need to get better at the top of the roster. The best defensive player in the world is available. He’s 29. He plays the biggest position of need. This is an absolute no brainer and I’m not sure that there’s a cost that should be considered too high. 
 

On the Diggs thing, he gave the Bills the greatest 4 year receiving stretch in franchise history. He was a superstar. He gave them more than they would have gotten from the guys you named sans Jefferson. He had character concerns. Garrett is an extremely high character guy (Rudolph incident aside). He’s incredibly charitable and in his prime. You never trade a dollar for 4 quarters in sports. You trade those 4 quarters for a dollar anytime that you can. 
 

In terms of Von, he was like 33 coming off his 2nd Super Bowl and had an injury history. He was playing well until he got hurt. Garrett, again, is 29, coming from the worst franchise in sports. Can you fathom how motivated he would be to play for a contender?!? He’s never tasted it. He’s been healthy. He’s in his prime. Apples and oranges to the Miller signing (which was the right move at the time). 

I get it. There's no doubt Garrett would worth a first-round pick, even more. But where do you (and Beane) draw the line? What price is too steep? Remember, the Bills will be competing against teams that pick sooner, so his total package has to be more attractive. The 2025 and 2026 first-round picks, plus both number twos this year, plus Cook and Epenesa? Keep in mind there would also be the Miller-like drag on the cap, which will hobble Beane in free agency for years. That's an awfully steep price for a single player. He gets injured, and it's all over.

 

Even if Garrett stays healthy and makes a big impact, the team will still suck at cornerback, defensive tackle, safety, and wide receiver, unless Beane hits on his fourth-round picks or completely mortgages the team's future to sign difference-makers in free agency. A great pass rush isn't much use without an adequate secondary. Who do we have back there besides Mr. Concussion? Meanwhile, Jones will be 35, Milano 31, and Douglas 31. We've been waiting in vain for years for Oliver and Rousseau to show the "it" factor, Bernard's early promise has faded, and Rapp is just plain mediocre, when he's not injured or injuring his teammates. In short, the cupboard is bare on defense, and one player won't make up for weakness at every other position.

 

Beane has accumulated ten picks and can free up a ton of cash. Sign Slayton and Ty Johnson and you're good on offense. In a crazy-deep draft, pick up an impact defensive end and tackle. Use your next picks on secondary and linebacker depth, and sign DJ Reed at cornerback. Voila, a playoff-caliber team ready to compete for years, along with a healthy salary cap for the rest of Allen's prime. 

 

[SCBills]

4 minutes ago, finn said:

I get it. There's no doubt Garrett would worth a first-round pick, even more. But where do you (and Beane) draw the line? What price is too steep? Remember, the Bills will be competing against teams that pick sooner, so his total package has to be more attractive. The 2025 and 2026 first-round picks, plus both number twos this year, plus Cook and Epenesa? Keep in mind there would also be the Miller-like drag on the cap, which will hobble Beane in free agency for years. That's an awfully steep price for a single player. He gets injured, and it's all over.

 

Even if Garrett stays healthy and makes a big impact, the team will still suck at cornerback, defensive tackle, safety, and wide receiver, unless Beane hits on his fourth-round picks or completely mortgages the team's future to sign difference-makers in free agency. A great pass rush isn't much use without an adequate secondary. Who do we have back there besides Mr. Concussion? Meanwhile, Jones will be 35, Milano 31, and Douglas 31. We've been waiting in vain for years for Oliver and Rousseau to show the "it" factor, Bernard's early promise has faded, and Rapp is just plain mediocre, when he's not injured or injuring his teammates. In short, the cupboard is bare on defense, and one player won't make up for weakness at every other position.

 

Beane has accumulated ten picks and can free up a ton of cash. Sign Slayton and Ty Johnson and you're good on offense. In a crazy-deep draft, pick up an impact defensive end and tackle. Use your next picks on secondary and linebacker depth, and sign DJ Reed at cornerback. Voila, a playoff-caliber team ready to compete for years, along with a healthy salary cap for the rest of Allen's prime. 

 

 

I think we need to rely on Garrett refusing to sign long term deals with certain teams and to de facto force his way to a team like us.

 

Not sure we can outbid teams, even with the draft capital we have.. We also have a future 60M QB and multiple pieces up for new deals.. along with needing heavy investment at DT, DE, CB and WR... none of which are cheap, unless done through the Draft. 

[Virgil]

When Garrett gets traded to the Chiefs, know that we have only ourselves to blame.  This thread is only 81 pages.  Just sad

[Mark Vader]

3 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Oh man, I couldn’t disagree more. The Bills don’t need to get younger or deeper. They need to get better at the top of the roster. The best defensive player in the world is available. He’s 29. He plays the biggest position of need. This is an absolute no brainer and I’m not sure that there’s a cost that should be considered too high. 
 

On the Diggs thing, he gave the Bills the greatest 4 year receiving stretch in franchise history. He was a superstar. He gave them more than they would have gotten from the guys you named sans Jefferson. He had character concerns. Garrett is an extremely high character guy (Rudolph incident aside). He’s incredibly charitable and in his prime. You never trade a dollar for 4 quarters in sports. You trade those 4 quarters for a dollar anytime that you can. 
 

In terms of Von, he was like 33 coming off his 2nd Super Bowl and had an injury history. He was playing well until he got hurt. Garrett, again, is 29, coming from the worst franchise in sports. Can you fathom how motivated he would be to play for a contender?!? He’s never tasted it. He’s been healthy. He’s in his prime. Apples and oranges to the Miller signing (which was the right move at the time). 

[Sojourner]

So as it stands they consensus is he’s remaining in Cleveland. 
 

Following the event he somehow is indeed moved to a different team, the Commanders, Eagles and Lions are all ahead of the Bills in terms of potential landing spots. 
 

What does that mean? Whatever you want it to lol

 

Big picture though, those 3 teams have been just as aggressive as Buffalo at acquiring talent for their defensive line be it via the draft, Free Agency or both. The point is we haven’t had much success and might feel ourselves burned at shelling out big money on top of assets. Can’t fault them for that but can for them not forgetting past failures and trying again. 
 

Not that it means anything but if he is moved to a team I find myself leaning toward Washington or Detroit securing his services. 

[GaryPinC]

2 hours ago, Maynard said:

Do you think the Eagles would let us borrow Howie to run our drafts? 

I'd like us to focus on hiring away one of their respected D-line scouts.  

[ColoradoBills]

15 minutes ago, Sojourner said:

So as it stands they consensus is he’s remaining in Cleveland. 
 

Following the event he somehow is indeed moved to a different team, the Commanders, Eagles and Lions are all ahead of the Bills in terms of potential landing spots. 
 

What does that mean? Whatever you want it to lol

 

Big picture though, those 3 teams have been just as aggressive as Buffalo at acquiring talent for their defensive line be it via the draft, Free Agency or both. The point is we haven’t had much success and might feel ourselves burned at shelling out big money on top of assets. Can’t fault them for that but can for them not forgetting past failures and trying again. 
 

Not that it means anything but if he is moved to a team I find myself leaning toward Washington or Detroit securing his services. 

 

He remains in Cleveland for the time being.

One way or another Cleveland will make moves to get under the cap to start the season.

That can be achieved without moving out any of Watson's cap.

 

Rumors are they are also moving on from Tomlison and Thornhill.  Both "may" be June 1st cuts.

Cleveland goes to the draft with a lot of valuable picks, and they set their team up for the coming season.

 

IF Garrett and his agent continue to make life miserable for Cleveland, trading him in the summer saves them $5M and they

pick up picks for the 2026 draft AND they get rid of a problem.

 

IF that happens, I see the Bills having as good of a chance as any other team.

[Kirby Jackson]

1 hour ago, finn said:

I get it. There's no doubt Garrett would worth a first-round pick, even more. But where do you (and Beane) draw the line? What price is too steep? Remember, the Bills will be competing against teams that pick sooner, so his total package has to be more attractive. The 2025 and 2026 first-round picks, plus both number twos this year, plus Cook and Epenesa? Keep in mind there would also be the Miller-like drag on the cap, which will hobble Beane in free agency for years. That's an awfully steep price for a single player. He gets injured, and it's all over.

 

Even if Garrett stays healthy and makes a big impact, the team will still suck at cornerback, defensive tackle, safety, and wide receiver, unless Beane hits on his fourth-round picks or completely mortgages the team's future to sign difference-makers in free agency. A great pass rush isn't much use without an adequate secondary. Who do we have back there besides Mr. Concussion? Meanwhile, Jones will be 35, Milano 31, and Douglas 31. We've been waiting in vain for years for Oliver and Rousseau to show the "it" factor, Bernard's early promise has faded, and Rapp is just plain mediocre, when he's not injured or injuring his teammates. In short, the cupboard is bare on defense, and one player won't make up for weakness at every other position.

 

Beane has accumulated ten picks and can free up a ton of cash. Sign Slayton and Ty Johnson and you're good on offense. In a crazy-deep draft, pick up an impact defensive end and tackle. Use your next picks on secondary and linebacker depth, and sign DJ Reed at cornerback. Voila, a playoff-caliber team ready to compete for years, along with a healthy salary cap for the rest of Allen's prime. 

 

3 firsts and the Bills should not hesitate. If I told you you could have Myles Garrett and a mid round CB + a mid round TE or Keon Coleman, Kaiir Elam and Dalton Kincaid, which would you pick? The Bills should expect to pick at the end of the 1st (especially with Garett). Garrett is closer to Bruce Smith than he is to Trey Hendrickson or Max Crosby. The line for him should be significantly different. If they add Garrett they are the best team in football and the Super Bowl favorite. You need young, cost controlled talent when you’re trying to get there. The Bills are there and now need to get over the top. He’s the best defensive player in football and is like a year older than Josh. This IS the window. You have 5-7 years left of prime Josh. Anything after that, who cares. 

[BuffaloRebound]

2 hours ago, TheFunPolice said:

 

I think that's the only way the Browns do it. 

 

In these types of negotiations if you can come in and say "we can solve your biggest problem" that goes a long way. Garrett being upset is probably not looked at as a major problem by the team, because players get upset all the time but usually money talks. 

 

But that albatross of Watson... That might move the needle. It's kind of perfect that he will miss the entire 2025 season (likely) with the reinjured Achilles, because the new team could just stash him on IR, agree with him to stay away from the team on gamedays but get rehab and treatment in the facility, and cut him after the 2025 season, possibly post June 1 to spread the cap pain. 

 

Fans and media would all understand that it was part of the price to pay for a generational talent like Garrett and Watson isn't really part of the team or the plan going forward. 

 

Watson gets paid either way, heals up, and gets to be a free agent when he's healthy. New team gets Garrett for fewer and lower picks. Browns get out of that colossal blunder of a deal and clear the deck. 

 

Unfortunately the Bills could not do this, though, cap wise. 

Agree with this.  Can’t see Cleveland trading Garrett unless it includes taking Watson off their hands.  Washington is the only super bowl contender who could realistically absorb Watson’s contract.  

[sunshynman]

1 hour ago, BuffaloRebound said:

Agree with this.  Can’t see Cleveland trading Garrett unless it includes taking Watson off their hands.  Washington is the only super bowl contender who could realistically absorb Watson’s contract.  

Yes, especially with Crosby's extension. $35M a year, Garretts going to want at least that. I think this now drops the Bills out. 

[HappyDays]

2 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said:

If they add Garrett they are the best team in football and the Super Bowl favorite.

 

This is the part I don't agree with. The best analogy is QB. You take a below average offense and add the best QB in the league, suddenly you have a top 3 offense. That was the Bills last year. Defense doesn't work the same way. Adding the best defensive player to a below average defense doesn't catapult them to the top like that.

 

The reason I've been so adamant about adding Metcalf instead of Garrett is that I feel the offense really is just one big piece away from being historically dominant. I don't feel that way about the defense. After adding Garrett we would still need a big upgrade at CB, safety, and DT. Philly was the best defense in the league because they had waves of good to great players at every level. We aren't close to that. Adding Garrett also likely means we don't have the resources to meaningfully upgrade the offense.

[Kirby Jackson]

7 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

 

This is the part I don't agree with. The best analogy is QB. You take a below average offense and add the best QB in the league, suddenly you have a top 3 offense. That was the Bills last year. Defense doesn't work the same way. Adding the best defensive player to a below average defense doesn't catapult them to the top like that.

 

The reason I've been so adamant about adding Metcalf instead of Garrett is that I feel the offense really is just one big piece away from being historically dominant. I don't feel that way about the defense. After adding Garrett we would still need a big upgrade at CB, safety, and DT. Philly was the best defense in the league because they had waves of good to great players at every level. We aren't close to that. Adding Garrett also likely means we don't have the resources to meaningfully upgrade the offense.

We are in agreement with strengthening the offense. WR is a huge need. I think that the difference is that I think Garrett is the best non-QB in football. I do believe that he can make the difference. U don’t see him as “a piece.” I see him as a 1-man wrecking crew. If we were talking Crosby or Hendrickson or whomever, I may agree. I just think Garrett is different. He drags this defense (along with the other additions that they’ll inevitably make) to a borderline top 10 unit. That would be good enough.

 

In terms of resources, I threw out 2 firsts, Rousseau and a mid round pick in 2026. That still leaves you with both 2s this year and some cap space. They have work to do with it but they will absolutely upgrade WR regardless. 

[GASabresIUFan]

I'm not sure if the Crosby signing didn't kill this dream as well.  How much is Garrett worth now, especially as any team that acquires him is almost certainly going to have to negotiate an extension.

 

The Bills are going to have to take a risk on a FA like Sweat or someone cheaper.

[Warriorspikes51]

6 minutes ago, GASabresIUFan said:

I'm not sure if the Crosby signing didn't kill this dream as well.  How much is Garrett worth now, especially as any team that acquires him is almost certainly going to have to negotiate an extension.

 

The Bills are going to have to take a risk on a FA like Sweat or someone cheaper.

the Rams and Eagles have both recently won Super Bowls by adding elite players and not worrying about the Cap.  Eagles have $290 Million tied up in Void Years. The Bills have I believe less than $40 Million worth of Void Years.  Which means, IF we choose….there is plenty of opportunity to be ultra aggressive