Conflicting Myles Garrett asking price reports add to Commanders' confusion

It didn't take long for the Washington Commanders to come up as a potential destination for Myles Garrett after the prolific defensive end handed in a trade request. The Cleveland Browns have made no secret of the intent to keep the player, but saying anything else would lose leverage at a critical stage.

Everyone has a price. One only has to look at the NBA to see that after Luka Dončić — a generational talent and genuine international superstar — was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Cleveland might hold the cards for now, but it's a fast-changing situation after Garrett made his feelings abundantly clear about the organization's current direction.

Acquiring an elite-level performer such as Garrett isn't going to be cheap. General manager Adam Peters will no doubt place a call into the Browns in pursuit of getting a feel for the compensation if they become receptive to offers. Just how they'll want if the phone doesn't get cut off immediately is another matter.

Two NFL insiders revealed what the Browns might be looking for. One executive speaking with Jordan Schultz from FOX Sports hinted that it might take two first-round picks to get the conversation started. Not exactly chump change, but the Commanders are picking low down the order and might be again in 2026 if they build on an immensely positive first campaign under head coach Dan Quinn.

Commanders might not have to give up multiple first-round picks for Myles Garrett

Dianna Russini from The Athletic had a different opinion. The NFL personnel figure speaking to her didn't think it would take multiple first-rounders. Instead, a first together with Day 2 picks and perhaps even a player in return might be enough to get something worked out.

These conflicting reports only add to the confusion. Peters will have a price in mind if the Commanders throw their hat into the ring. He's not going to overpay, even if Garrett could be a huge piece of the puzzle for Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense. It's hard to say one way or another what the asking price would be if the Browns admitted defeat.

The Commanders would not be alone in pursuing Garrett. Almost everyone in the league with a legitimate chance to content will be looking to strike a deal if Cleveland cannot make him happier. As always, this tends to drive up the price in a bidding war.

Peters has plenty of experience navigating transactions like this. He was part of the San Francisco 49ers' brain trust that acquired stud left tackle Trent Williams and All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey. He also got ahead of the queue to land cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints before the 2024 deadline.

Garrett is an exceptional force that would make any team better. The Commanders are better positioned than most to make a play, but this is almost entirely dependent on Cleveland's flexibility and willingness to enter discussions.

Nothing should or will be off the table right now. Peters knows there is a serious window of opportunity for the Commanders in the coming months. The moves he makes will go a long way to determining whether their fairytale campaign in 2024 becomes something more sustainable.

Watch this space...