The Cleveland Browns may be looking to trade star defensive end and arguably the best defensive player in football, Myles Garrett. A player of Garrett’s caliber is rarely ever available, but given the Browns’ current position as a franchise and Garrett’s frustration with playing for a team that is consistently losing, this is the situation both sides now find themselves in.
With that said, if Garrett does become fully available and teams are invited to begin bidding for his services, the question becomes clear: should the Chargers be in on a move for a future Hall of Famer?
Chargers must at least consider being in on a Myles Garrett sweepstakes
For the likely three-plus first-round picks it would take to acquire a player of Garrett’s caliber, Joe Hortiz has to at least consider taking a swing. The Chargers are one of the few teams with both the financial flexibility and competitive foundation to justify a move like this. Adding Garrett alongside Tuli Tuipulotu would immediately elevate the defense to one of the most formidable units in the league.
New defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary would have an incredible group to work with, even if the rest of the roster has to be filled out with later-round picks and value signings over time.
The Chargers already have a solid offensive core, led by Justin Herbert, which is exactly why a move like this can be justified. With young talent at key positions, a franchise quarterback with elite upside, and a head coach in Jim Harbaugh who consistently gets the most out of his roster, adding a superstar like Garrett could push this team firmly into Super Bowl contention.
If there is any hesitation, the Chargers need only look across the building at the Los Angeles Rams. General manager Les Snead has consistently shown that draft picks can be used as currency when acquiring elite talent. Meanwhile, Hortiz has already demonstrated an ability to find value throughout the draft, regardless of round. Even multiple first-round picks may not equal the impact Garrett brings right now.
The price would be steep, there’s no denying that. But the value of a player like Garrett outweighs that risk in today’s NFL. If he becomes available, Hortiz should absolutely throw his hat in the ring and make a serious push to bring him to Los Angeles. Fans may initially be shocked at the cost, but that will change quickly when Garrett is wreaking havoc in powder blue on Sundays, and maybe even in the navy throwbacks.