Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett Makes Trade Request
Myles Garrett is known for dropping quarterbacks, and on Monday he dropped a bombshell.
The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns, issuing a statement on social media.
"As a kid dreaming of the NFL, all I focused on was the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl – and that goal fuels me today more than ever.
My love for the community of Northeast Ohio and the incredible fanbase of the Cleveland Browns has made this one of the toughest decisions of my life. These past eight years have shaped me into the man I am today.
"While I've loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won't allow me to be complacent. The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete and win a Super Bowl," Garrett wrote in part.
Garrett was frustrated with Cleveland's 3-14 season, and his future became a topic of conversation in December when he said he wanted to see a blueprint for their success, including the plan at quarterback. After meeting with Garrett recently, Browns General Manager Andrew Berry said he wanted Garrett to finish his career in Cleveland.
"We envision him going from Cleveland to Canton when his career is over," Berry said at the Senior Bowl via Mary Kay Cabot of the cleveland.com.
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Browns have reiterated that they do not intend to entertain trade offers involving Garrett.
However, other teams will certainly inquire about the possibility of landing the 29-year-old Garrett, who is coming off his seventh straight double-digit sack season, including four straight seasons with 14 or more.
Garrett has 8.5 sacks, 16 QB hits, 1 forced fumble and a touchdown in 14 career games against the Ravens. Even if he doesn't end up wearing purple, the Ravens would likely gladly welcome an exit from the AFC North.
The Browns currently hold the No. 2 pick in April's draft, the first time they've had a first-rounder since 2021, and could add to their draft capital by trading their defensive star. The Garrett-Browns situation will be a storyline to watch during the offseason.
Cincinnati Bengals: Ja'Marr Chase Wants 'Fair' Contract After Monster Season
Ja'Marr Chase became just the sixth receiver in NFL history to lead the league in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708), and receiving touchdowns (17) in a single season. His attempts to reach a contract extension with the Bengals have lingered since last summer, and Chase would like things settled this offseason.
The Bengals picked up his fifth-year option and Chase is set to earn $21.8 million in 2025. However, Chase wants long-term security.
"At the end of the day, I just hope I get what's fair," Chase said during an interview with ESPN’s Laura Rutledge via NFL.com. "Hopefully I don't put too much pressure on anybody, but I just want it to be fair, that's all.
"Fair is what I deserve. I can't really say everything I want to say. It's what I deserve, it's what I've worked for, how hard I worked for. It's a written story already. It should be fair change."
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has said repeatedly that he wants Chase and free agent wide receiver Tee Higgins to return to Cincinnati's potent offense. Chase and Burrow won a national championship together at LSU and believe they can win a Super Bowl together in Cincinnati. Chase talked about having a bounce-back year in 2025 after starting the 2024 season 0-3 and missing the playoffs.
"Honestly, I hope we just finish stronger, finish better, finish faster," Chase said. "Even start off better, cause starting off better will help us in the back end of the year."
Pittsburgh Steelers: Russell Wilson Says He Remains Focused on Returning
After Pete Carroll became head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders last week, reports began to circulate that free agent Russell Wilson might join Carroll in Las Vegas. Wilson and Carroll worked together for 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, where they won a Super Bowl during a highly successful run.
At the Pro Bowl, Wilson said he remained focused on re-signing with the Steelers.
"I'm looking forward to hopefully going back to the Steelers and we'll see what happens with the rest," Wilson said to the Associated Press via NFL.com. "I love it in Pittsburgh."
Wilson had an up-and-down first season in Pittsburgh, winning six of his first seven starts before dropping five straight to end the season.
The Steelers have important decisions to make at quarterback, with Wilson and Justin Fields both pending free agents. Wilson said he believes Carroll will thrive in Las Vegas, but the veteran quarterback hopes he has found a home with the Steelers.
"Pete's going to be a great coach, obviously," Wilson said. "He's great at what he does. But I'm focused on the Steelers."
