With the way the Cleveland Browns' season has gone up to this point, it's a miracle they didn't dump the roster at the trade deadline.
Star wideout Amari Cooper was shipped off to the Bills while defensive standout Za'Darius Smith was sent to the Lions. Both players are now on rosters of contending teams, something they couldn't say while in Cleveland.
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) runs before an NFL football matchup Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla.
© Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
But one of the most popular names during trade rumors was defending Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett.
Garrett remains on the roster long after the trade deadline has passed. But why?
Was it because Garrett is a fan favorite and general manager Andrew Berry didn't want to disappoint the fan base? No. If he cared about that, quarterback Deshaun Watson would've been benched early in the season when the fans called for it.
Garrett is the best player on the defense, and quite possibly on the entire team. His asking price is far above that of anyone else. Even Cooper's and Smith's.
The most logical reason for Garrett still being in town is because they couldn't get what they wanted in exchange. Another factor is that if Berry and the club think they're close to contending, Garrett could still be in their future plans.
Bruce Drennan of BigPlay thinks a trade of Garrett is definitely in the plans regardless of what the fans want or think.
"Are you kidding me? Realistically? Are you kidding me? You fans are the best fans I've said this for years and I'll say it to my grave. You fans are the best fans of any team of any of the four major sports because you are so loyal. So loving of this dysfunctional franchise that has really been a joke for how long?
"I've told you for years, you'll show up and support this team, your beloved franchise, no matter what. You could put a high school product out there in the Browns' colors and you would fill it up."
But either way, that could all change next season.
If the Browns are once again out of the playoff picture at the trade deadline in 2025, Garrett might be at the height of his trade value, and Cleveland could dump him for some much-needed draft capital.
They better hope they didn't wait a year too long.
