Myles Garrett Is Wanted by Ravens Coach: Could the Star Defensive End Make His Way to Baltimore?
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of the NFL, team needs are constantly shifting, and the idea of acquiring star players is often at the forefront of every franchise’s plans. For the Baltimore Ravens, a team known for its dominating defense and its focus on winning through tough, physical play, there has been increasing talk about a significant move to bolster its defensive line: acquiring Cleveland Browns’ defensive end Myles Garrett.
Garrett, a former number one overall pick and one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL, has solidified himself as a game-changer for the Browns since his arrival in 2017. Known for his explosive athleticism, relentless pass rush, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, Garrett’s impact on the field is undeniable. The Ravens, on the other hand, have consistently boasted a solid defense, but their front seven has at times lacked that one elite pass rusher who can truly elevate the team’s defense to an even higher level. With head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald at the helm, the idea of adding Garrett to the mix could be the catalyst for a defensive renaissance in Baltimore.
In this article, we’ll explore the possibility of Myles Garrett joining the Ravens, from the impact he would have on the defense to the logistics of such a move, including how it would affect the team’s salary cap, what the Ravens would have to give up, and the likelihood of it happening.
A Dream Fit for Baltimore’s Defense
The Baltimore Ravens have long been associated with defense-first football. From legendary players like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed to more recent standouts like Roquan Smith and Marlon Humphrey, the Ravens have established themselves as a franchise built around defensive excellence. Historically, they’ve focused on controlling the line of scrimmage and dictating the tempo of the game through a physical, aggressive defense.
In recent seasons, however, the team’s pass rush has taken a backseat in comparison to their stifling secondary and strong linebacker play. While the Ravens have had talented players like Calais Campbell and Tyus Bowser, they’ve lacked a true dominant force on the edge. Myles Garrett, who has consistently been one of the NFL’s best pass rushers, could be just the player the Ravens need to push their defense over the top.
Garrett’s skill set speaks for itself. Standing at 6’4” and weighing in at 272 pounds, Garrett has the physical tools that make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. His speed, power, and ability to bend around the edge make him one of the most difficult players to block in the league. Garrett has accumulated over 70 sacks since entering the NFL in 2017, including a career-high 16 sacks in 2021. His ability to disrupt plays, especially in key moments, would significantly raise the Ravens’ defensive ceiling.
Under head coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens have always valued defensive consistency, and Garrett’s presence on the field would allow Baltimore to do more defensively. With a player of Garrett’s caliber rushing the passer, Baltimore would be able to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks without having to rely heavily on blitzing. This would allow the secondary to stay in coverage longer, giving players like Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Peters, and Kyle Hamilton more opportunities to make plays.
From a defensive philosophy perspective, Garrett aligns perfectly with what the Ravens need. The team is designed to play aggressive, physical football, and Garrett would be the focal point of that philosophy on the edge. Whether lining up as a 3-4 outside linebacker or a traditional 4-3 defensive end, Garrett’s versatility would allow Baltimore to use him in a variety of ways to maximize his impact.
Why Myles Garrett Would Want to Leave Cleveland
For any trade or acquisition to happen, the player involved must also be open to the move. While Myles Garrett has been a star player for the Cleveland Browns since his rookie season, there has been growing speculation regarding his future with the team. Despite the Browns’ promise as a team, they have yet to fully materialize into championship contenders. Under head coach Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland has had moments of success but remains inconsistent, which has left some questioning whether Garrett could seek a change of scenery to a team with more immediate championship aspirations.
Garrett’s status as one of the league’s premier defenders means that he will likely be in demand from many teams in the NFL. The Browns, while not a team in the midst of a complete rebuild, have yet to build a consistent enough roster to fully contend for a Super Bowl. Garrett may see the Ravens as an ideal destination to achieve his ultimate goal of winning a championship, particularly given the Ravens’ established culture of defense and the continued presence of superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson on the offensive side.
Cleveland also has to consider the financial implications of keeping Garrett. While he remains one of the most valuable defensive players in the league, his contract is a hefty one. Garrett is slated to make a large amount of money over the coming seasons, and if the Browns continue to struggle in the playoff race, the front office could decide that parting with him in exchange for draft picks or younger assets could help them in the long term.
With the Ravens positioned as a true Super Bowl contender and Garrett looking to play for a team ready to win, the appeal of joining a defensive juggernaut like Baltimore could be enticing. Myles Garrett is 28 years old, and while he still has plenty of years left in his career, he may want to seize the opportunity to chase a title while he is at the height of his powers.
What Would It Take to Make the Trade Happen?
In order for the Ravens to acquire Myles Garrett, a few key factors would have to align. First and foremost, the Ravens would need to make sure they have the necessary draft capital and players to meet Cleveland’s asking price. Garrett is a franchise player, and the Browns will not let him go without getting significant value in return.
One of the challenges for the Ravens would be their salary cap situation. Baltimore is already invested heavily in several key players, including quarterback Lamar Jackson and linebacker Roquan Smith, who have substantial contracts. Garrett’s current contract extension runs through 2026, which means that acquiring him would require the Ravens to either restructure deals or create financial flexibility in other ways. The Ravens would have to carefully navigate the cap to fit Garrett’s hefty salary, which could be upwards of $25 million annually.
From a trade perspective, the Ravens would likely have to offer a combination of future draft picks and players to entice the Browns into a deal. A trade involving Myles Garrett could look like this:
- First-Round Pick(s): The Ravens would likely need to part with at least one first-round pick, possibly more, to secure Garrett’s services. The Browns, being in a position to rebuild or reload, would likely want to secure a high draft pick in exchange for a player of Garrett’s caliber.
- Veteran Player(s): The Ravens could also sweeten the deal by including a veteran player who could help Cleveland immediately. A player like cornerback Marcus Peters, wide receiver Rashod Bateman, or even a young defensive player like Patrick Queen could interest Cleveland as part of a potential trade package. The addition of a ready-made starter could help balance the deal for the Browns.
- Cap Restructuring: As mentioned, the Ravens would need to find ways to make the financials work. This could involve restructuring contracts for existing players to create the necessary cap space or releasing players with high salaries to make room for Garrett. The Ravens’ front office would need to be creative in its approach to making this trade a reality.
What Impact Would Myles Garrett Have on the Ravens?
If Myles Garrett were to join the Ravens, the impact would be immediate and profound. First and foremost, Garrett would elevate an already strong defense. The Ravens’ defensive line would instantly become more fearsome, and Garrett’s ability to dominate opposing offensive lines would make life easier for the other players on the defense. His pressure on quarterbacks would result in more sacks, turnovers, and forced errors, making it easier for the secondary to lock down receivers.
Additionally, Garrett’s leadership and experience would help mentor younger players on the Ravens’ defense. Players like rookie defensive end Tavius Jones and second-year linebacker David Ojabo would benefit immensely from being able to learn from a player of Garrett’s caliber.
The Ravens’ defense would instantly have one of the most complete pass-rush units in the NFL, and they could afford to be more aggressive with their schemes, knowing that Garrett could be counted on to win one-on-one battles consistently.
On the flip side, the addition of Garrett would also take some pressure off Lamar Jackson and the offense. A more dominant defense would allow the offense to play more conservatively, relying on its defense to get stops and create short-field opportunities. This could reduce the pressure on Jackson, especially in high-stakes games where every possession counts.
The Likelihood of the Trade
While the prospect of Myles Garrett joining the Ravens is tantalizing, the likelihood of such a trade happening remains uncertain. The Browns would have to be willing to part with their star defensive end, and they would likely want a package of assets that aligns with their long-term vision. Additionally, the Ravens would need to clear significant cap space to fit Garrett’s contract, which may prove challenging in an already tight salary cap situation.
Nonetheless, the Ravens’ defensive needs, coupled with Garrett’s status as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers, make this a fascinating idea to consider. If Baltimore can work out the logistics and find a way to acquire Garrett, it would undoubtedly elevate the team’s championship aspirations for the 2025 season.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to whether the Ravens are willing to make the bold move to acquire Garrett and whether Cleveland is ready to part with one of the best players in the league. Regardless of the outcome, Myles Garrett’s name will continue to be one of the most discussed in the offseason trade rumors. For Ravens fans, the idea of seeing Garrett in purple and black is a dream worth hoping for.