The Perfect Trade: How the 49ers Can Land Myles Garrett from the Browns

Myles Garrett’s Desire for Change
It will take a monumental effort to pry Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns. However, multiple teams could be eager to make a play for the elite defensive end, and the San Francisco 49ers may be the perfect destination.

Garrett made waves on Monday when he publicly expressed his desire to leave the Browns’ organization. In a statement obtained by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, he made his intentions clear:

“As a kid dreaming of the NFL, all I focused on was the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl—and that goal fuels me today more than ever. My love for the community of Northeast Ohio and the incredible fanbase of the Cleveland Browns has made this one of the toughest decisions of my life. These past eight years have shaped me into the man that I am today.

While I’ve loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won’t allow me to be complacent. The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton; it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl. With that in mind, I have requested to be traded from the Cleveland Browns.”

This shocking revelation has sent ripples through the NFL, sparking speculation about where Garrett might land next.

Why Myles Garrett is a Perfect Fit for the 49ers
Imagine the nightmare for opposing offenses if Garrett lines up opposite Nick Bosa. Quarterbacks and offensive coordinators alike would be scrambling to find solutions for two of the most dominant edge rushers in the game wreaking havoc on every play.

San Francisco already boasts one of the league’s top defenses, but adding Garrett would take it to a near-unstoppable level. However, making this blockbuster trade a reality requires careful planning.

The Ideal Trade Package
The 49ers must approach this situation wisely, avoiding pitfalls like the infamous Herschel Walker trade that set the Dallas Cowboys up for Super Bowl dominance in the 1990s. The best offer for Garrett should strike a balance between value and feasibility.

A strong package from San Francisco should include:

• Two first-round picks
• A third-round pick
• A fifth-round pick

In an ideal scenario, both return picks would be for the 2025 NFL Draft, ensuring the 49ers retain some flexibility for immediate roster improvements.

Cleveland’s Stance on Trading Garrett
The Browns have made it clear they do not want to part ways with their defensive superstar. According to ClevelandBrowns.com, General Manager Andrew Berry firmly dismissed trade rumors:

“If someone sees you at dinner tonight and says, ‘We’ll give you two ones for Myles,’ do you say, ‘I’m not interested?’” a reporter asked Berry.

His response: “Correct. You can put that on the record. We feel really good about Myles, obviously, as a big piece of our future. We’re looking forward to him being on the field. Like I said in my early January press conference, we envision him going from Cleveland to Canton when his career is over.”

This statement suggests either that Garrett is staying put or that the Browns are angling for an even bigger return in a trade.

Would Garrett Make the 49ers Super Bowl Favorites?
If the 49ers land Garrett while keeping their offensive stars healthy, they would be frontrunners for the 2025 Super Bowl. A dominant pass rush, led by Garrett and Bosa, would solidify the team as a defensive powerhouse, making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.

San Francisco, expected to finish at the top of the league, would likely pick late in the draft. Trading two first-round picks under such circumstances is equivalent to a team giving up a pair of high second-rounders. The reality is that acquiring star talent at the back end of the first round is challenging, making this trade more than justifiable.

With the eighth-most cap space in the league at $48.3 million, the 49ers could sign Garrett to a long-term deal, ensuring a dominant pass rush for years. However, the front office must also consider upcoming contract negotiations for key defensive players, including linebacker Dre Greenlaw and cornerback Charvarius Ward.

Kyle Shanahan’s Defensive Flexibility
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has already hinted at his willingness to adapt the defensive scheme. Before Garrett’s trade request even surfaced, Shanahan spoke about the need for defensive adjustments, as reported by Sports Illustrated:

“I love the scheme that we’ve had here. I think it’s one of the hardest things to go against when you’ve got the right guys in the right spots. But I do think people adjust to schemes, and I think you have to adjust too depending on your personnel. That was a tougher thing for us this year.

Just going into the season, it was a little bit harder than past seasons, and some of the injuries we had made it really tough for Nick. I thought he got better trying to adjust and do different things. But I do think that’s something that definitely—you don’t have to change schemes, but you have to have the ability, the history, and the knowledge of how to change some stuff up when you’re in certain situations. And I think that we do need that more going forward.”

With a versatile player like Garrett in the mix, the 49ers’ defensive approach could become even more dynamic, further solidifying their status as Super Bowl contenders.

Final Thoughts: Will the 49ers Go All-In?
The 49ers are no strangers to making aggressive moves to chase a championship. Acquiring Garrett could be the final piece of the puzzle that pushes them over the top. The Browns hold significant leverage, but if Garrett remains firm in his trade request, Cleveland may have no choice but to negotiate.

If San Francisco can pull off this blockbuster trade while maintaining a balanced roster, their path to a Super Bowl championship in 2025 looks more promising than ever. Now, the ball is in the Browns’ court—will they make a deal, or will they hold firm and risk losing their defensive superstar for nothing in the future?