Myles Garrett's trade request was arguably the most shocking development of the NFL offseason so far. The defensive end is looking for a new challenge after becoming disenchanted with the Cleveland Browns' current direction. And it just so happens that the Washington Commanders are on the lookout for pass-rushing help.
It didn't take long for the Commanders to get linked with Garrett. Analysts thought general manager Adam Peters was in a better position than most to make something happen. However, the Browns haven't shifted their stance and don't plan on trading the perennial All-Pro.
Nothing can or should be ruled out. The dust needs to settle and the Commanders need to gauge what it might take to bring one of the league's premier players into the fold. They could get shot down immediately, but Peters has to try.
There's just no telling what acquiring Garrett would do for Washington's chances. He's an elite game-changer and a durable professional. The Commanders are a team on the up and an attractive destination again. This looks like a good match, but a lot needs to happen beforehand.
With this in mind, here are five hypothetical trade offers the Commanders could offer in pursuit of landing Garrett this offseason.
Commanders potential trade offers for Browns DE Myles Garrett
Commanders trade offer No. 1
This is a little on the optimistic side. The Washington Commanders will need to sacrifice some hefty draft capital to acquire Myles Garrett. But at the end of the day, if you want the best, you have to pay.
One would expect the conversation to start with a first-round pick. It'll probably take a lot more, but that's the opening point in discussions.
The Commanders are picking at No. 29 overall in 2025 after a memorable run to the NFC Championship game. Adam Peters could decide to make the selection expendable in a potential trade if the right opportunity comes along. And make no mistake, Washington isn't going to get a player close to Garrett at the bottom end of the first round.
That won't be enough. The Browns could alter their stance with a 2026 second-rounder thrown in for good measure. This represents a big win for the Commanders — one that Cleveland wouldn't realistically entertain unless they were backed into a corner by the ferocious edge rusher.
Still, you have to start somewhere. Who knows where things will go after that?
Commanders trade offer No. 2
The consensus around the league seems to be that the Cleveland Browns would be looking for multiple first-round picks to entertain the notion of trading edge rusher Myles Garrett. That's a lot, but the Washington Commanders (or anyone else) would be getting as close to a sure thing as you're likely to find anywhere.
Even two first-round selections might not be enough. If those contending teams lower down the order get into the mix, the Browns could be looking for something more substantial. If it's at the top of the order, it's a different story.
Garrett is easily one of the best players regardless of position in the league. If the Commanders genuinely believe that they're in a position for sustained success, sacrificing two first-rounders — probably pretty far down the order — represents a calculated risk that could reap significant rewards.
The Browns have all the leverage right now. That could change if Garrett forces the issue at any stage, but that seems unlikely given his exceptional reputation and what he means to the community. That makes it difficult to gauge what is acceptable compensation if Cleveland eventually starts negotiating with interested parties.
Washington giving up two first-rounders is risky. But Garrett isn't your typical veteran available for trade.
Commanders trade offer No. 3
Dianna Russini from The Athletic revealed something different about what it might take to acquire Myles Garrett. The senior insider heard from an NFL executive that the price could be a first-rounder, multiple third-rounders, and perhaps even a player thrown in for good measure.
That seems a lot more acceptable from the Commanders' point of view. They wouldn't be sacrificing future assets all that much. If they could also include veteran defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, that's something general manager Adam Peters might consider.
Allen's heading into the offseason with an uncertain future. He's got one more year and no guaranteed money remaining on his deal. The veteran's production took a dip over the last two years, but he remains a highly respected leader in the locker room.
That won't be enough for a reprieve under the new regime. The Commanders would save $17 million on their salary cap by trading or releasing Allen this offseason. If they offered him in their package for Garrett and agreed to take on some of his salary to seal the deal, there are far worse avenues Peters could go down.
Regardless of whether this scenario comes to fruition or not, the Commanders face a tricky conundrum with Allen. Handling it with tact and conviction is paramount.
Commanders trade offer No. 4
These are all lofty offers, of course. But any Washington Commanders fan who thinks they're going to get Myles Garrett for pennies on the dollar is kidding themselves.
Garrett is a rare commodity. He's a defensive player who can take over games by himself. He's someone opposing offenses game plan specifically for. That frees up space for everyone else to do damage.
Imagine what his arrival would do for the likes of Frankie Luvu behind him.
The Commanders could tempt the Cleveland Browns with a first-rounder, a second next year, and Daron Payne. The former Alabama star is younger than Jonathan Allen with more upside, but his influence doesn't come close to what Garrett can offer in this scenario.
This would probably allow Allen to see out the remainder of his deal. The Commanders also have Johnny Newton, who flashed promise as a rookie and could develop further with a legitimate edge threat taking up the attention.
There are cap considerations here. Trading Payne would see the Commanders incur $16.8 million in dead money with $9.37 million in savings according to Over the Cap. What Adam Peters must figure out is whether subtracting from the interior and parting ways with significant draft capital is worth it.
Commanders trade offer No. 5
The Cleveland Browns have the No. 2 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. They have a desperate need at the quarterback position with Deshaun Watson suffering a setback in his recovery from a torn ACL. But this is also a premium spot to take someone like Abdul Carter if trading Myles Garrett becomes a realistic option.
That's something they'd be reluctant to do. General manager Andrew Berry is keeping cards close to his chest right now. But if the Commanders or someone else blows him away with an offer, their rebuild dictates a possible switch for the six-time Pro Bowler.
If the Commanders offered two first-round selections and Dorance Armstrong Jr., it would give the Browns plenty to ponder.
The edge rusher was one of very few players to get a long-term commitment from Washington in free agency last year. Armstrong was solid if not spectacular in Year 1 with the team. But it wouldn't take Adam Peters long to pull the trigger if Cleveland asked him to be included in any package.
The Commanders would eat $12 million in dead money if Armstrong was removed. They could potentially split this over a couple of years, but it does complicate matters.
All these offers are large, and it's an unusual feeling for Commanders fans to be in this position. At the same time, there needs to be a level of trust attached if Peters decides to swing for the fences.
