JUST NOW: Broncos Warned Against Blockbuster Trade Involving $124 Million All-Pro
The Denver Broncos topped the NFL in sacks during the 2024 regular season. However, as with any team, some fans are eager for the Broncos to explore trade options for Cleveland Browns star pass rusher Myles Garrett.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Garrett, 29, requested a trade from Cleveland on February 3.
The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year is entering the fourth year of his five-year, $125 million contract, having earned $124.6 million in his career. Garrett posted 14.0 sacks in 2024, marking his seventh consecutive season with double-digit sacks. He has recorded at least 14.0 sacks in each of the past four seasons and has forced multiple fumbles in the last three. Since entering the league in 2017, he ranks second in sacks behind Pittsburgh Steelers standout T.J. Watt, per Stathead.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Garrett’s trade request is not a tactic to secure a new contract.
“I was told this is not a contract ploy from Myles Garrett,” Fowler said on SportsCenter on February 3. “The Browns are fully comfortable paying him a new contract. Sometimes trade requests are about securing more money, but this is strictly about winning.”
Despite Garrett’s request, the Browns have no intention of trading their former No. 1 overall pick. “They’ve made it clear—nothing has changed. They do not plan to trade Myles Garrett,” Fowler added.
The question remains whether the Broncos should be willing to meet the asking price and commit to paying Garrett.
Broncos Country Reacts to Myles Garrett Trade News
Chad Jensen of Broncos on SI argues that Denver might be one of the least logical teams to pursue Myles Garrett, given their league-leading 63 sacks in 2024—a franchise record. The biggest obstacle would be the cost, as league insiders suggest any trade would start at two first-round picks, if not more.
With Denver retaining its top pass rushers and still feeling the effects of the Russell Wilson trade, which depleted their draft capital, Jensen believes the Broncos are not an ideal fit for Garrett.
Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports that an anonymous NFL general manager is skeptical that Cleveland will receive multiple first-round picks in a deal. “Probably a 1+,” the GM told Russini on February 3. “Can’t wait for the ‘It will be 3 1s’ crowd. Not happening. 1 and a 2. 1 and 2 3s. Throw a player in there.”
Mile High Huddle’s Zack Kelberman strongly opposes the idea, posting on X: “The #Broncos should NOT trade for Myles Garrett.”
However, some believe acquiring Garrett could make sense if the price is right. On the DNVR Broncos Podcast, All-City’s Ryan Koenigsberg suggested Denver should consider the move to maximize their window with rookie quarterback Bo Nix.
“If you’re serious about winning on Bo Nix’s rookie contract, you make this type of move,” Koenigsberg said on February 3. “Obviously, the price has to be right. You can’t go in too deep. He’s, I believe, 29 years old. Basically in his prime. Got a short window, I think, left of that part of his career. And to me, if the price is right, this is something you absolutely do. Because you’re saying, ‘We have to load up. We have three more years, four more years of Bo Nix on this rookie contract. Let’s go get it.’”
Broncos Have Dynamic Pass Rush Duo
The Broncos have the flexibility to be cautious in their approach to a potential Myles Garrett trade, thanks to their in-house pass rushers, Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto.
Bonitto led the team with a career-high 13.5 sacks in 2024, ranking third in the NFL and just 0.5 sacks behind Garrett. Entering the final year of his four-year, $5.8 million rookie contract, Bonitto is due for a raise—something Denver has a history of rewarding.
Cooper, who recorded a career-high 10.5 sacks, secured his future with the team by signing a four-year, $54 million extension in November 2024. At 26, Cooper and the 25-year-old Bonitto form a formidable duo, giving the Broncos a strong foundation at the position.
Additionally, 2024 third-round pick Jonah Elliss made an impact as a rookie, contributing 5.0 sacks. With this level of production already on the roster, Denver has reason to weigh the costs carefully before making a move for Garrett.