The decision to trade Myles Garrett and Deshaun Watson together is a complex one. On one hand, it would free the Browns from Watson’s burdensome contract and provide valuable draft capital
On the other hand, losing Garrett would be a tough pill to swallow, as he remains one of the NFL’s best defensive players.
If a team is willing to take on Watson’s contract in exchange for Garrett, the Browns should seriously consider the move.
It would provide them with financial flexibility and an opportunity to reset at quarterback. However, if no team is willing to absorb Watson’s deal, the Browns may need to find a different approach to move forward.
In the ever-changing landscape of the NFL, bold moves are sometimes necessary to build a sustainable contender.
The Browns’ front office will need to carefully evaluate their options and decide if this blockbuster trade is the right step for the franchise’s future.
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Myles Garrett and Deshaun Watson: Blockbuster Trade
The Cleveland Browns’ Dilemma
Myles Garrett and Deshaun Watson have been key figures for the Cleveland Browns, but recent rumors suggest that a seismic shift could be on the horizon.1
Garrett, a defensive powerhouse, has been a dominant force in the NFL, while Watson, a quarterback once hailed as a franchise savior, has struggled with injuries and inconsistencies.
While trading Garrett would undoubtedly fetch a significant haul of draft picks and assets, there is an intriguing alternative that has surfaced.
According to NFL analyst Mike Florio, the Browns might be considering packaging both Garrett and Watson in a trade deal that could reshape the franchise’s future.
🤟🏾🤟🏾🤟🏾 https://t.co/jkvZl3rx9D
— Myles Garrett (@Flash_Garrett) February 6, 2024
The Logic Behind a Garrett-Watson Package Deal
One of the biggest challenges facing the Browns is Watson’s contract. The fully guaranteed deal he signed remains unprecedented in NFL history, and his injury struggles have raised serious questions about his ability to justify the massive financial commitment.
If the Browns want to free themselves from the constraints of Watson’s contract, including him in a trade with Garrett could be a viable solution.
Florio suggested that a team interested in acquiring Garrett might be forced to take on Watson as well.
This would allow Cleveland to clear a major financial burden while receiving substantial draft capital in return. The question, however, is whether any team would be willing to take on such a monumental trade.
The Broncos are in quarterback limbo after moving on from Russell Wilson. If Sean Payton believes Watson still has elite potential, this trade could make sense, especially with the addition of a premier defensive player like Garrett.
Myles Garrett: The Impact on the Browns
If Cleveland were to trade both Garrett and Watson, it would mark a significant shift in the team’s trajectory.2
Losing Garrett would be a massive blow to the defense, but the potential to reset the quarterback position and gain financial flexibility could make this move worthwhile.
The Browns would have an opportunity to draft a new quarterback, either in 2025 or 2026, and build a more sustainable roster around a young core. With the right draft picks and free-agent signings, Cleveland could position itself for long-term success.
The Falcons are a team desperate for an elite pass rusher like Garrett and are also in need of a franchise quarterback. While taking on Watson’s contract would be a significant risk, the allure of acquiring Garrett could make the deal enticing.
Would a Team Accept This Deal?
The biggest hurdle to executing this trade is finding a team willing to take on Watson’s contract.
His fully guaranteed deal is one of the worst in the NFL from a financial standpoint, especially considering his struggles and injury history.
Teams may be reluctant to commit significant resources to a player who has yet to regain his pre-Houston form.
However, if a team is convinced that Watson can return to being an elite quarterback, the inclusion of Myles Garrett could make the deal too tempting to pass up.
Elite pass rushers like Garrett are rare, and his presence alone could tilt the scales in favor of making the trade happen.
With a new ownership group eager to turn the franchise around, a blockbuster trade for Garrett and Watson could bring the star power and excitement needed to reinvigorate the team. Washington has the cap space and the draft capital to pull off such a deal if they are willing to take the risk.
Myles Garrett ’s Perspective
Myles Garrett has been one of the Browns’ most loyal and dominant players. If he does indeed want out, it would be a major loss for the franchise.3
However, if he is open to staying, the Browns may need to carefully weigh the impact of trading away one of the best defenders in the league.
Garrett’s trade value is immense. He is in his prime and continues to be a game-wrecker on defense.
Any team acquiring him would instantly upgrade their pass rush and defensive capabilities. The question remains: Is he willing to be part of a rebuild if Watson is dealt separately?
Watson’s Future in the NFL
Deshaun Watson’s tenure with the Browns has been tumultuous. Since joining the team, he has thrown for just 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over three seasons.
His 2024 season was derailed by an Achilles injury, and he is expected to miss part of the 2025 campaign.
Watson’s future is clouded by uncertainty. If he can return to form, he could still be a valuable asset for a team in need of a quarterback.
However, his contract and injury concerns make him a risky acquisition. Any team trading for him would need to have a strong belief in his ability to bounce back.
Potential Trade Compensation
If the Browns do manage to trade Garrett and Watson together, the compensation package would likely include multiple first-round picks, additional draft assets, and possibly key players.
A trade of this magnitude would rival some of the biggest moves in NFL history.
However, if Watson’s contract remains a major obstacle, the Browns may need to lower their expectations regarding trade compensation. In that case, they could explore trading Garrett separately to maximize their return.
With ample draft capital and a potential need for a veteran quarterback if they decide to move on from Justin Fields, the Bears could be in play. Adding Garrett to their defense would be a game-changer, and if they are willing to absorb Watson’s contract, this trade could become a reality.
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Deshaun Watson-Myles Garrett Package Deal
The Cleveland Browns face a complicated decision if they were to explore trading both quarterback Deshaun Watson and star defensive end Myles Garrett as part of a package deal.
While Myles Garrett remains one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL, Watson’s contract presents a major obstacle for potential trade partners.
Any team considering such a blockbuster move would need to meet several key criteria, including cap space, quarterback depth, and an organizational philosophy that aligns with acquiring both players.
This article explores potential trade destinations that could realistically entertain such a deal and weigh the pros and cons of each fit.
Key Considerations for a Trade Partner
For a team to absorb both Watson and Garrett, several factors come into play:
- Cap Space: Watson’s contract carries a massive $46 million average salary, requiring a team with significant financial flexibility.
- Need for Defensive Talent: Garrett is a game-changing defensive player, meaning the trade partner must highly value an elite pass rusher.
- Quarterback Depth: A team trading for Watson would either need an established starter in place or a young quarterback who could be groomed over time.
- Win-Now Mentality: Given Garrett’s prime years and Watson’s potential when healthy, the acquiring team must believe they are a quarterback and elite defender away from competing for a championship.
Myles Garrett: Would Any Team Take the Risk?
Watson’s contract is undoubtedly the biggest hurdle in any trade discussions. While Myles Garrett is an easy sell as one of the league’s best defenders, the sheer financial commitment to Watson makes a package deal incredibly difficult.
A team would need to be convinced that Watson can regain his Pro Bowl form while also valuing Garrett highly enough to justify the financial burden.
A more realistic outcome might be the Browns attempting to trade Garrett separately to maximize his value while dealing with Watson’s contract in a different manner, such as restructuring or offloading him in a less burdensome deal.
The Bears have invested heavily in building a competitive defense, but questions remain at quarterback. If the organization decides Justin Fields isn’t the answer, acquiring Watson and Garrett could catapult them into contention.
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A Team in Transition
Another logical destination is the Tennessee Titans. With Ryan Tannehill on the decline and the jury still out on Will Levis, Tennessee could see Watson as a viable option to stabilize the quarterback position. Meanwhile, Garrett would immediately elevate their defense.
While a blockbuster trade involving both Deshaun Watson and Myles Garrett is unlikely, there are a few teams that could theoretically make it work.
The New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, and Chicago Bears all have elements that align with such a move, but each comes with its own complications.
Ultimately, Watson’s contract remains the biggest stumbling block, making it difficult for any team to take on both players in a single transaction.
If the Browns were to explore a deal, it would likely involve a creative financial approach, significant draft capital, and a team desperate enough to gamble on Watson’s upside.
Until then, Cleveland remains tied to a high-risk, high-reward scenario with Watson and will need to weigh their options carefully in the coming seasons.
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