Myles Garrett issues ultimatum as Browns’ future hangs in the balance: ‘I don’t want to rebuild’
The Cleveland Browns have three games remaining before officially ending another disappointing season.
Star pass rusher Myles Garrett appears willing to continue his career in Cleveland, although his time with the team could come to an abrupt end if management decides a rebuilding approach is best for the team.
The Browns enter Week 16 with just three wins and in last place in the AFC North. Cleveland had to deal with uneven play from quarterback Deshaun Watson before he suffered a season-ending injury in October. The lack of production at the quarterback position seems to directly impact the Browns’ chances of winning.
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Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett speaks during a press conference after the Saints game in New Orleans on November 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
The ruptured right Achilles marks the second consecutive year Watson’s season has been cut short by injury. The three-time Pro Bowler injured his shoulder in a Week 10 win over the Baltimore Ravens last season.
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The Browns went into Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals knowing they wouldn’t make the playoffs. Losing a playoff spot is not something Garrett is particularly excited about. The defensive lineman also made it clear that he’s not interested in being part of a rebuild at this point in his career.
Browns defensive end Myles Garrett celebrates after sacking Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields on September 26, 2021 in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
“Well, for me, I mean first and foremost I want to win. I want the Browns to be able to put me and us in a position to win,” Garrett told reporters. “I’m not trying to rebuild. I’m trying to win now. I hope that’s obvious and when the season is over and we have these discussions, I hope they can make that clear for me, make that clear for me, so that could be Something I can see in the near future because that’s what we want to do.
Garrett was also asked if he would consider playing for another NFL team if the Browns’ approach didn’t sit right with him in the near future.
Browns defensive end Myles Garrett answers questions after the game against the Dallas Cowboys in Cleveland on September 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogroki)
“I mean, it’s possible, but I want to be a Cleveland Browns player,” he said. “I want to play here and play my career here. But if we choose to rebuild and it’s two, three, four years from now, I want to be able to compete at a high level and play meaningful games. Competition and being able to play ball.
Garrett does have two seasons remaining on his contract with the Browns, but he could decide to seek a trade sometime during or before the 2026 season. Garrett was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and has racked up an impressive 99.5 sacks so far in his stellar career.
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If the Browns want to improve their chances of winning in 2025 and beyond, the team’s decision-makers will have to find a solution at the quarterback position.
After Sunday’s game against the Bengals, the Browns close out the regular season with games against the Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens.
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