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Myles Garrett has been the Browns best player, but may not be for much longer. Photo: Jason Miller/Getty Images
The Browns’ best player wants out of Cleveland.
Driving the news: Myles Garrett, the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has requested a trade.
- The news comes in a statement obtained by NFL Network in which Garrett cites a “desire to win.”
What they’re saying: “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 wrote.
- “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.”
The other side: Browns general manager Andrew Berry said last week he had no interest in trading Garrett, drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in 2017.
- “We want him to retire here,” Berry said.
Flashback: Garrett’s request comes after he made it clear in December that he did not want to be part of a rebuilding process.
- The Browns went 3-14 this season, finishing last in the AFC North.
By the numbers: Garrett is coming off his seventh consecutive double-digit sack season and fourth first-team All-Pro selection.
- The 29-year-old signed a five-year, $125 million extension in 2020 and is due a roster bonus of $5 million on March 16.
Between the lines: Cleveland will have the No. 2 pick in April’s NFL Draft.
Yes, but: The team has one of the worst quarterback situations in the NFL.
- QB Deshaun Watson reinjured his Achilles last month.
Troy’s thought bubble: Any fan who didn’t see this coming is more optimistic than most, considering how awful the team was this past season.
- Any hopes of Garrett being a Joe Thomas-type player and ending his career in Cleveland appear to be dashed.
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