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Myles Garrett doesn’t envision his NFL future in Cleveland.

The former first-overall pick, 29, publicly requested a trade from the Browns on Monday, days after general manager Andrew Berry said he isn’t open to trading the star defensive end.

“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 fan base 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,” Garrett said in a statement shared on social media.


  Myles Garrett requested a trade from the Browns on Monday. Getty Images Myles Garrett requested a trade from the Browns on Monday. Getty Images

“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.”

Garrett’s request Monday reiterated comments made by Berry, who stated in January, “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.”


  Browns GM Andrew Berry spoke to the media in January 2025. AP Browns GM Andrew Berry spoke to the media in January 2025. AP

The Browns’ No. 1 overall pick in 2017, Garrett has long been a dominant force in the league, earning six Pro Bowl nods over the past eight seasons and four First-team All-Pro selections, including recognition this past year.

He was also named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year for 2023.

Weeks before the Browns concluded their miserable 3-14 season, Garrett stated in December he isn’t “trying to rebuild,” even as Cleveland is staring at another quarterback reset following Deshaun Watson’s injury setback.


  Myles Garrett (95) in action against the Chiefs in December 2024. Getty Images Myles Garrett (95) in action against the Chiefs in December 2024. Getty Images

  Garrett has spent his entire NFL career in Cleveland. Getty Images Garrett has spent his entire NFL career in Cleveland. Getty Images

“I’m trying to win right now. And I want that to be apparent when the season is over and we have those discussions. I want them to be able to illuminate, illustrate that for me so that can be something I can see in the near future. Because that’s all we want to do,” Garrett said, according to ESPN.

“I want to stay loyal to a team that showed loyalty to me and faith in me by drafting me. But we have to do, at the end of the day, what’s best for us. So, if we have that alignment where this is something that is still possible in the near future — winning, going deep in the playoffs, putting a great defense out there … I think that would really keep my mind at rest and keep me settled.”

Berry, who has served as the Browns’ GM since 2020, said in his end-of-the-year press conference last month that he anticipates Garrett to “retire a Brown.”

Garrett signed a five-year, $125 million contract extension with the Browns in 2020.

He finished the season with 47 combined tackles and 14 sacks.

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