The Cleveland Browns kicked off their 2024 campaign with a disappointing loss at home, falling 33-17 to the Dallas Cowboys. After an 11-6 season in 2023, Cleveland had high expectations, but the team looked sluggish against Dallas, raising concerns about whether a decline could be in the cards. The game’s outcome has already sparked speculation about the future of key players, particularly All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett.
In an exchange on X, Jeff Hughes and Robert Schmitz of Da Bears Blog pondered whether Cleveland might consider trading Garrett if the team’s season spirals out of control. The Chicago Bears, having shown interest in defensive help when they missed out on Matthew Judon, could be a potential suitor if the Browns decide to reset their roster.
Garrett, fresh off a Defensive Player of the Year campaign, is one of the league’s premier defensive players. Despite the Browns’ current struggles, it seems unlikely that general manager Andrew Berry would consider moving him, but stranger things have happened. Hughes floated the idea of the Bears offering two first-round picks, believing Cleveland might be tempted if things go south. Schmitz, however, was skeptical, suggesting the Browns would never entertain such a move.
The Bears’ Defensive Line: Do They Even Need Garrett?
Bears offer them two 1s and I think they consider it. They are going to need a full reset next year if this collapses.
— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) September 12, 2024
Chicago did bolster its pass rush by trading for Darrell Taylor from Seattle, who made an immediate impact in his debut with the Bears. The 26-year-old defensive end recorded two sacks, three pressures, and a forced fumble in Week 1, raising questions about whether the Bears need to pursue an elite name like Garrett at all.
If Taylor continues his hot start, the Bears might be able to forego a massive trade package for Garrett, keeping their focus on other pressing needs, such as the offensive line. With a modest $3 million cap hit and upcoming contract negotiations, Taylor could be a long-term solution if he maintains his early success.
Will Cleveland Move on from Garrett?
Darrell Taylor in his Bears debut:
🔵 78.6 PFF grade
🟠 3 pressures
🔵 2.0 sacks
🟠 2 run stops
🔵 1 forced fumble pic.twitter.com/fb3fnRtFqM— PFF CHI Bears (@PFF_Bears) September 10, 2024
It’s highly unlikely, but Cleveland has made shocking moves before. The trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson, which was recently called one of the worst contracts in NFL history by CBS Sports, has proven that the Browns aren’t afraid to make bold moves. Garrett’s contract, which runs through 2026, carries a cap hit of roughly $20 million per year, a price the Bears could afford, but it would come at the cost of future draft assets.
Garrett remains a cornerstone of the Browns’ defense, but if the season continues to unravel and a rebuild becomes inevitable, there’s no telling what Cleveland might do to reset its roster. As for the Bears, GM Ryan Poles has been active in trades but has typically held onto his first-round picks—something that might keep Chicago from making a big play for Garrett.
For now, this remains a hypothetical, but the conversation surrounding Garrett’s future is one to monitor closely as the Browns’ season progresses.
