Despite Massive New Contract, Myles Garrett Doesn’t Regret Trade Request

The star defensive end said his request opened difficult but necessary discussions about the future of the team.

Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns takes the field before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Huntington Bank Field on Dec. 29, 2024, in Cleveland. Jason Miller/Getty Images

Despite signing a massive new extension, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett has no regrets about requesting a trade.

Garrett demanded a trade on Feb. 3 and spent Super Bowl week reiterating his desire to go elsewhere and chase a championship. But last week, he signed a 4-year, $160 million extension with the Browns. In a March 14 press conference, Garrett said his trade request prompted difficult but necessary discussions about building the team into a contender, and that he would prove himself to skeptical fans by continuing to play at a high level.

A reporter asked Garrett what changed between February and now.

“Just having constant communication with the team, with [general manager Andrew Berry], just management in general, talking about the plans and the future of this team and how we can turn this around and turn Cleveland into a winner as soon as possible.”

The drama began when Garrett officially requested a trade. In his statement, the former No. 1 overall pick said he could not be “complacent,” and wanted to win a Super Bowl. Garrett then appeared on multiple TV and radio shows and podcasts during Super Bowl week, saying that the Browns were not committed to winning right now, and that at this stage of his career, winning and competing for championships was what he wanted to do.

However, in the following weeks, Berry repeatedly stated he had no intention of trading away the face of the franchise. Things came to a head last week, when Garrett demanded a meeting with Browns owner Jimmy Haslam. Haslam reportedly refused to meet with Garrett because he did not want the player to go over Berry’s head. Reports also emerged that Garrett was willing to sit out games until he was moved. But once he signed the extension, that drama was put to rest.

Garrett was adamant that he did not regret making his request public. “I think I had some frustration, and I feel like that helped us grow and have conversations that were difficult but needed to be had and that created a little bit more discourse, helped build some relationships and reaffirm them,” he said. “And now I feel like we’re in a better place, and now we can move on and grow from there.”

He also made clear what the cause of that frustration was. “It’s never been about money,” he said. “It’s always been about winning, and that’s where my frustration lies.”

The Browns have been to the playoffs twice since 2020; they lost in the divisional round to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2020 playoffs; and lost in the 2023 Wild Card Round to the Houston Texans. But last season, the Browns went 3-14, and currently hold the second overall pick as a result.

Garrett said his primary goal was to deliver the Browns’ first championship in the Super Bowl era. He said that he was more than willing to help his team recruit new pieces to the team to win games and make a deep playoff run. Whether the team succeeds or struggles, Garrett recognized he is a focal point, and it is his duty to get the most out of all the players in the locker room.

The six-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler and 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year affirmed his commitment to stay with the team that drafted him and bring a championship to Cleveland and the Browns’ faithful.

“That’s always been my plan, from the very beginning,” he said. “Even when I was coming from high school to college, being that one-team guy. Having a place that feels like home, that you ingrain yourself in the community. The Canton part sounds great, players want to be in the Hall of Fame. That’s a tremendous individual award, but communities and cities remember championships, and that’s what I want to do.”

Reporters pointed out that having watched all of the drama unfold, fans might be skeptical of Garrett’s commitment. The defensive end said that he would let his play do the talking.

“I’m just going to continue to turn those [negative] opinions around or reinforce those [positive] opinions by going out, doing what I’ve always done: going out, making plays, being a great teammate, great leader, and being the best person I can be on this field and off the field for the Cleveland Browns,” he said.