Dawgs By Nature
The generational pass rusher asked for a trade, rumors are now flying
Back in the 1980s when Marty Schottenheimer took over as head coach of the Cleveland Browns, the franchise was continually in the playoffs. For several consecutive years. Life was good as a Browns fan.
One playoff season became another. Then another. Followed by more playoff seasons.
RELATED: MYLES GARRETT HAS REQUESTED A TRADE
In 2023, the Browns won 11 games and were the highest-ranked Wild Card club in the AFC playoffs. Their opponent in the post-season was a team that they dominated just weeks prior so the future looked positive.
And the fact that Cleveland lost to the Houston Texans in their lone playoff appearance did not throw off fan interest. In fact, it was viewed as the Browns were finally going to begin another Schottenheimer era with multiple playoff runs and double-digit wins. Season after season, the Browns would be a playoff team.
A 14-loss campaign ensued. Toward season’s end, All-World defensive end Myles Garrett approached the front office and wanted answers. His message was clear: what is your plan?
After a 3-11-0 start, Garrett approached the front office and wanted remedies. He told reporters:
“First of all, I want to win, and want the Browns to be able to put me and us in a position to win. I’m not trying to rebuild. I’m trying to win right now. And I want that to be apparent when the season’s over and we have those discussions. I want them to be able to illuminate, and illustrate that for me so that can be something I can see in the near future. Because that’s all we want to do.”
Throughout the season despite the mounting losses, Garrett maintained that his preference was to remain in Cleveland. He stated he wanted to be with the Browns and would be happy to play for Cleveland.
But after the 11th loss, Garrett had his fill and wanted to know what the Browns’ plan for the franchise was going forward. Few doubt that the front office went to the filing cabinet and pulled out a folder with a laid out plan, and if they did, apparently it wasn’t the one Garrett had in mind. At all.
And now comes the revelation that he is seeking a trade. He signed a five-year, $125 million extension with the Browns in 2020 which showed his commitment to the franchise and loyalty to their fans.
But the Schottenheimer revival never happened. The Browns were one-and-done. You don’t lose 14 games if you don’t have major issues - and that is everywhere you look.
Garrett’s trade declaration is more of a “want” than a “demand.”
Right now, that is. At this juncture, he is playing nice.
His timing is perfect. He won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award last year and recently the Sporting News named him their choice for this year’s accolade making it two years in a row. On Thursday night, the...
