5 Bold Trade Proposals for the Commanders to Secure Myles Garrett in 2025

Myles Garrett has made headlines this NFL offseason by requesting a trade away from the Cleveland Browns, citing a need for a new challenge. This has caught the attention of the Washington Commanders, who are actively seeking to bolster their pass-rushing lineup.

The connection between Garrett and the Commanders developed quickly, with analysts noting that Washington’s general manager, Adam Peters, is well-positioned to make a compelling offer. Despite this, the Browns remain firm on not trading the All-Pro defensive end.

However, the Commanders are not easily deterred. They are assessing what it might take to bring Garrett into their squad, knowing well that he could drastically enhance their defensive capabilities and rejuvenate the team, making them more competitive.

With these dynamics in play, here are 5 potential trade offers the Commanders might propose to secure Myles Garrett:

Commanders Trade Offer No. 1:

This is a little on the optimistic side. The Washington Commanders will need to sacrifice some hefty draft capital to acquire Myles Garrett. But at the end of the day, if you want the best, you have to pay.

One would expect the conversation to start with a first-round pick. It’ll probably take a lot more, but that’s the opening point in discussions.

The Commanders are picking at No. 29 overall in 2025 after a memorable run to the NFC Championship game. Adam Peters could decide to make the selection expendable in a potential trade if the right opportunity comes along. And make no mistake, Washington isn’t going to get a player close to Garrett at the bottom end of the first round.

That won’t be enough. The Browns could alter their stance with a 2026 second-rounder thrown in for good measure. This represents a big win for the Commanders — one that Cleveland wouldn’t realistically entertain unless they were backed into a corner by the ferocious edge rusher.

Still, you have to start somewhere. Who knows where things will go after that?

Commanders Trade Offer No. 2:

The consensus around the league seems to be that the Cleveland Browns would be looking for multiple first-round picks to entertain the notion of trading edge rusher Myles Garrett. That’s a lot, but the Washington Commanders (or anyone else) would be getting as close to a sure thing as you’re likely to find anywhere.

Even two first-round selections might not be enough. If those contending teams lower down the order get into the mix, the Browns could be looking for something more substantial. If it’s at the top of the order, it’s a different story.

Garrett is easily one of the best players regardless of position in the league. If the Commanders genuinely believe that they’re in a position for sustained success, sacrificing two first-rounders — probably pretty far down the order — represents a calculated risk that could reap significant rewards.

The Browns have all the leverage right now. That could change if Garrett forces the issue at any stage, but that seems unlikely given his exceptional reputation and what he means to the community. That makes it difficult to gauge what is acceptable compensation if Cleveland eventually starts negotiating with interested parties.

Washington giving up two first-rounders is risky. But Garrett isn’t your typical veteran available for trade.

Commanders Trade Offer No. 3:

Dianna Russini from The Athletic revealed something different about what it might take to acquire Myles Garrett. The senior insider heard from an NFL executive that the price could be a first-rounder, multiple third-rounders, and perhaps even a player thrown in for good measure.

That seems a lot more acceptable from the Commanders’ point of view. They wouldn’t be sacrificing future assets all that much. If they could also include veteran defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, that’s something general manager Adam Peters might consider.

Allen’s heading into the offseason with an uncertain future. He’s got one more year and no guaranteed money remaining on his deal. The veteran’s production took a dip over the last two years, but he remains a highly respected leader in the locker room.

Commanders Trade Offer No. 4:

Another scenario could involve offering a first-rounder, a future second-rounder, and Daron Payne. This would be a significant sacrifice but could be worth the investment for a game-changer like Garrett.

Garrett is a rare commodity. He’s a defensive player who can take over games by himself. He’s someone opposing offenses game plan specifically for. That frees up space for everyone else to do damage.

Imagine what his arrival would do for the likes of Frankie Luvu behind him.

The Commanders could tempt the Cleveland Browns with a first-rounder, a second next year, and Daron Payne. The former Alabama star is younger than Jonathan Allen with more upside, but his influence doesn’t come close to what Garrett can offer in this scenario.

This would probably allow Allen to see out the remainder of his deal. The Commanders also have Johnny Newton, who flashed promise as a rookie and could develop further with a legitimate edge threat taking up the attention.

There are cap considerations here. Trading Payne would see the Commanders incur $16.8 million in dead money with $9.37 million in savings according to Over the Cap. What Adam Peters must figure out is whether subtracting from the interior and parting ways with significant draft capital is worth it.

Commanders Trade Offer No. 5:

With the Browns holding the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Commanders might propose a blockbuster deal involving two first-round selections and Dorance Armstrong Jr. This could provide the Browns with both immediate and future talent, aiding in their rebuild.

Each of these proposals reflects the high stakes and significant investment required to acquire a player of Garrett’s caliber. The Commanders’ management must weigh these options carefully, as acquiring Garrett could transform their defense but also strain their future resources.

The Commanders would eat $12 million in dead money if Armstrong was removed. They could potentially split this over a couple of years, but it does complicate matters.

This evolving story is a prime example of the intricate negotiations and strategic planning that define the NFL offseason.