After an intense and hard-fought Super Bowl LVII, the Philadelphia Eagles are determined to build on their success and strengthen their defense for the upcoming season. While the Eagles’ offense was an explosive force throughout the season, the team’s defense showed signs of vulnerability during their 38-35 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. As a result, Philadelphia’s front office is reportedly eyeing Cleveland Browns’ defensive star Myles Garrett in a bold move that could completely transform their defense and make them a dominant force in the NFC.
Why Myles Garrett?
Myles Garrett is one of the most dynamic and disruptive pass rushers in the NFL today. Since being drafted by the Browns as the number one overall pick in 2017, Garrett has been a constant force on the edge. With 74.5 career sacks, the 6-foot-4, 272-pound defensive end has the ability to alter the course of a game singlehandedly. Last season, Garrett finished with 16 sacks and was a constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
His speed, power, and relentless motor make him a perfect fit for a defense that already boasts talent such as Fletcher Cox and Haason Reddick. Adding Garrett to the mix would provide a fearsome pass rush, allowing the Eagles’ defense to create more havoc in the backfield, something they sorely need to match the league’s best offenses.
How Will It Help the Eagles?
The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense, while impressive throughout much of the season, showed that it could be vulnerable to quick-strike offenses, like the one led by Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. In Super Bowl LVII, the Eagles struggled to contain Mahomes, who threw for 182 yards and three touchdowns, earning the game’s MVP honors.
By acquiring Garrett, the Eagles would have an elite pass rusher who can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, making it harder for offenses to get comfortable in the pocket. His ability to pressure quarterbacks, even without blitzing, would allow defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon to be more creative with his defensive schemes, potentially freeing up linebackers and safeties to make plays in other areas.
Moreover, Garrett’s presence would help elevate the entire defensive line. His ability to demand double-teams or create mismatches would give players like Reddick and Cox more opportunities to shine, adding multiple layers to an already talented defensive front.
The Trade Package: What Would It Take?
While Garrett’s addition would undoubtedly give the Eagles one of the most fearsome defenses in the league, acquiring him won’t be a simple task. The Browns would certainly demand a significant return for one of their most valuable players. A possible trade package could include a mix of high draft picks and players. The Eagles’ recent success and future draft assets give them an edge in any potential negotiations.
It is likely the Browns would be looking for at least a first-round pick and possibly another valuable player to help rebuild their roster. If the Eagles were to part with a first-round pick, it could be in exchange for Garrett and perhaps a mid-round pick to help the Browns retool their defense.
However, it’s worth noting that Garrett is not just a valuable pass rusher—he’s a key leader for the Browns. This means that while a trade is plausible, it would have to be a deal that satisfies both teams, making it a high-stakes negotiation.
The NFC East Picture
For the Eagles, landing Garrett would send a clear message to the rest of the NFC East. After falling short in the Super Bowl, the Eagles are eager to not only win the NFC East but to get back to the Super Bowl and finish what they started. Garrett’s arrival would make the Eagles an even more formidable team in a division that is becoming increasingly competitive, with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants both showing signs of improvement in recent years.
The NFC East has long been one of the toughest divisions in football, and the Eagles are already at the top of the heap. However, to maintain that edge and keep up with the evolving offenses of teams like the Cowboys, they’ll need to make strategic moves like this one.
Conclusion: Will It Happen?
The Eagles’ interest in Myles Garrett is not only a strategic move but also a statement of intent. The team understands that to win a Super Bowl, it needs to have a dominant defense that can stand up against the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, and other top-tier quarterbacks in the league. Garrett would bring immediate impact and create a top-tier defense that would be feared by opponents.
While it remains to be seen if the Eagles can pull off such a deal, one thing is clear: the front office is not content to rest on their laurels after a Super Bowl appearance. The Eagles are looking to make their defense as strong as their offense, and a trade for Myles Garrett could be the catalyst that propels them to championship glory in 2025.
