Browns star edge rusher Myles Garrett made headlines earlier this week when he publicly requested a trade out of Cleveland. The announcement wasn’t completely unfounded, as the previous Defensive Player of the Yr already made it clear he could be searching for clarity on the franchise’s long-term plans. While the Browns were adamant that they wouldn’t consider a trade for the All-Pro talent, Garrett ultimately decided he didn’t wish to stick around for an additional rebuilding or transitional season.
In his initial statement, Garrett clearly cited a desire to win, noting that his “goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has at all times been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.” The veteran reiterated that time while doing the rounds on Media Row today, including an appearance on the Wealthy Eisen Show. He also provided more insight into his decision to ask out of Cleveland. We’ve compiled a few of the notable soundbites below, with a hat tip to Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal:
On what aspects motivated him to request a trade:
“It took time and plenty of conversation. Just the trajectory of the team, talking to a few of the higher-ups, I actually have quite a lot of respect for them but I just don’t think we’re aligned on where the team is entering into the near future.”
On the timing of his decision to go public with a trade request:
“I just felt it was time. I had taken my time after the season, type of relaxed and decompressed emotionally, desired to distance myself a little bit bit and spent a little bit time talking to my family about how we feel about this decision.”
On consulting with former Cleveland star LeBron James about moving on from town:
“You recognize just, what a transition looked like for him. What was his thought process going into it before he left Cleveland. Ensuring I made a logical decision [and took] my time. Attempting to take away the pressure of doing somewhat like that. Northeast Ohio has been his home, and it seems like my home, as well.
On where he’s hoping to play next:
“I just wish to go to a contender. … I’d love [to have a say in his destination]. I do know in my position, I don’t have much say in where I am going. But hopefully we are able to leave off on good terms and we are able to discover a middle ground between us.”
On his fit with the Commanders (via a separate conversation with Sports Illustrated):
“I feel they need a pass rusher. I feel that’s something that they dearly missed in the course of the playoffs…and I feel like I can fill that a job. But that’s a job that multiple teams need.”
