Ravens Coach Wants Myles Garrett: Could a Trade for the Browns Star Be in the Works?
The NFL offseason is always a time filled with speculation, rumors, and excitement as teams look to improve their rosters in preparation for the upcoming season. The Baltimore Ravens, a team known for their strong defense and well-coached squad, are no strangers to making bold moves. However, one of the most intriguing rumors this offseason is the potential interest from Ravens head coach John Harbaugh in acquiring Cleveland Browns star pass rusher Myles Garrett.
Garrett, a two-time First-Team All-Pro and one of the most dominant edge rushers in the NFL, has been the cornerstone of the Browns’ defense since being selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. However, with the Ravens’ defense already being one of the most formidable in the league, could Harbaugh be looking to take it to the next level by adding Garrett to his already talented defensive lineup?
In this article, we’ll explore the possibility of the Ravens making a move for Garrett, why Harbaugh might be interested, and what such a trade could mean for both teams.
Why the Ravens Would Want Myles Garrett
The Ravens have long been known for their defensive prowess. With elite players like linebacker Roquan Smith, safety Marcus Williams, and cornerback Marlon Humphrey, the team’s defense is already one of the league’s best. However, adding Myles Garrett could elevate the defense to another level, creating a nightmare scenario for opposing quarterbacks and making Baltimore one of the most fearsome defensive units in NFL history.
1. Pass Rush Upgrade
While the Ravens have solid pass rushers in their lineup, including players like Odafe Oweh and Justin Houston, Garrett is in a different stratosphere when it comes to disrupting quarterbacks. With his combination of size, speed, and elite technique, Garrett is one of the most feared edge rushers in the NFL. He’s a game-changer who can single-handedly alter the course of a game, and that’s something the Ravens’ defense would greatly benefit from.
Garrett has consistently posted double-digit sack totals each season, and his ability to pressure quarterbacks could complement the Ravens’ secondary. Imagine Garrett lining up opposite Oweh or Houston, with the potential to create chaos in the backfield, forcing quarterbacks to make rushed throws and resulting in turnovers.
2. Baltimore’s Aggressive Defensive Philosophy
Head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald have always been known for their aggressive defensive schemes. Adding a player like Garrett to the Ravens’ already relentless defense would allow the team to bring even more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Garrett’s ability to generate consistent pass rush without requiring constant blitzing would allow the Ravens to dial up more complex coverages, giving opposing offenses no safe haven to attack.
Garrett’s versatility also allows him to line up at different spots along the defensive line, whether on the edge or as an interior pass rusher, creating even more opportunities for mismatches.
3. Super Bowl Contender Status
The Ravens are built to compete for championships. With Lamar Jackson leading the offense and a solid group of skill players, the team has the potential to contend for a Super Bowl in the near future. However, to truly solidify their chances, Baltimore needs to ensure that their defense can match up with the explosive offenses they’ll face in the postseason. A player like Myles Garrett would make the Ravens even more formidable on defense and increase their chances of going all the way.
In particular, the addition of Garrett would make it easier for the Ravens to compete with high-powered offenses like those of the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals, all of which have quarterbacks capable of airing it out and making big plays. Garrett’s ability to disrupt the quarterback would be crucial in these high-stakes games.
Why Myles Garrett Might Be Available
While Myles Garrett is one of the best players in the NFL, the idea of the Ravens acquiring him may seem far-fetched at first glance. After all, the Cleveland Browns are not likely to give up one of their star players without a compelling reason. However, there are a few factors that could make Garrett available for the right price:
1. Cleveland’s Cap Situation
The Cleveland Browns have been in a tough financial situation in recent years due to the massive contract extension given to quarterback Deshaun Watson, as well as other high-profile deals. These cap constraints could force the team to make tough decisions regarding their star players, and Garrett’s massive contract could become a target for potential trade discussions. If the Browns are looking to clear cap space to build around Watson and improve other areas of their roster, trading Garrett could be one way to do so.
While Garrett is undeniably a cornerstone of the Browns’ defense, his contract is a significant financial commitment. If Cleveland is looking to retool their roster in other areas, moving Garrett could help them free up valuable cap space for future acquisitions.
2. Cleveland’s Roster Rebuild
After a promising start under head coach Kevin Stefanski, the Browns have yet to fully capitalize on their potential. With the window for success closing rapidly, Cleveland may choose to pivot and rebuild in order to maximize the long-term success of the franchise. As part of that process, trading Garrett could be a difficult but necessary move to acquire assets like draft picks and younger players to continue building the team.
While Garrett is still a dominant force on defense, the Browns may look at moving him to accelerate their rebuild. In exchange for the star pass rusher, the team could look to acquire multiple high draft picks or young, promising players that could contribute to the team’s success in the future.
What Could a Trade Look Like?
If the Ravens were to make a play for Garrett, it would almost certainly require a significant trade package. Given Garrett’s status as one of the top pass rushers in the league, the price would be steep. Here’s what a potential trade scenario might look like:
Ravens Trade Proposal:
- First-Round Pick (2025 or 2026)
- Second-Round Pick (2025)
- Defensive Player (such as a young player like Odafe Oweh or a similar prospect)
In this scenario, the Ravens would need to part with some draft capital, and possibly a young player, to make a deal work. A first-round pick would likely be required to acquire a player of Garrett’s caliber, along with additional assets to match the value of one of the best edge rushers in the league. The Ravens could also include a young defensive player to offset the loss of Garrett, as the Browns will need to ensure they remain competitive in the coming seasons.