The Cleveland Browns finished last in their division with a 3-14 record. They have major questions at the quarterback position, uncertainties within their personnel both on and off the field, and now, their best player has asked to be traded.
Defensive end Myles Garrett released a statement requesting a trade with two years remaining on his five-year, $125 million contract. In his statement, Garrett explained that he wants to compete for a championship and never intended to stay with one team just to break records or be known as a great player.
“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 All-Pro lineman said. “The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton; it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.”
Stephen A. Smith blamed injured quarterback Deshaun Watson for Garrett’s trade request, criticizing Watson’s underwhelming performance since arriving in Cleveland. He also said he fully supports Garrett’s decision.
“The Browns organization has been to the playoffs two times in the last five years. That’s the good news, and that’s really not that good,” Smith said on First Take this morning. “The bad news is they’ve been to the playoffs twice in the last 22, 23 years. This is a team that has not gotten it done, and the person I blame most—unfortunately, respectfully—is Deshaun Watson. Had Deshaun Watson gotten to Cleveland and balled the way he showcased he could when he was a Houston Texan, Myles Garrett would not be asking for this trade.”
While there may be truth to Smith’s comments, many did not expect him to place the blame solely on Watson. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns have stated they will not entertain any trade offers for Garrett, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.
Another unhappy star now seeks a new team as the NFL season approaches in September.
