The New England Patriots have had their names involved in a lot of different trade rumors with a lot of different trade targets. One of the most recent names has been Myles Garrett, defensive end for the Cleveland Browns. Garrett has had a lot of drama with the Browns, going back and forth on contract negotiations and requesting a trade.
It looked like the saga was finally over, and Garrett would finally be traded out of Cleveland, but the exact opposite ended up happening. The Browns have extended Garrett on a four-year deal that averages around 40 million dollars per year and 123.5 million dollars guaranteed, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.
The trade also includes a no-trade clause and completely shuts down any rumors of Garrett getting traded and finding a new home. The Patriots had one of the worst pass rushes in the NFL last year and could have used a game-changer like Garrett. The Patriots will now have to pursue other defensive line options through the draft, free agency, and the trade market.
The Patriots have been linked to prospects like Abdul Carter and Mason Graham, and they also have been said to be interested in free agents like Haason Reddick and Wilton Williams. These are just a few names the Patriots might target this offseason to fix one of their worst units.
Garrett is coming off his fifth consecutive pro bowl appearance, and he had 47 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one pass deflection. The former Defensive Player of the Year was named First Team All-Pro for the fourth time and finished third in defensive player of the year voting.
Garrett is one of the best overall defensive players in the NFL, and now he is getting paid like one. Garrett is now the highest-paid non-QB ever. The Patriots seemed like the perfect fit for Garrett since they had the most cap space, but now they will have to use that money elsewhere.
The Patriots will make upgrades on their defensive line, but Garrett would have been a huge difference-maker this year in New England. Hopefully, the Patriots can find some other help for their defensive line this offseason.
Related: Patriots Trade Defensive Tackle Davon Godchaux to Saints
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published March 10, 2025 at 9:00 PM.