In a move that surprised many in the NFL world, the Cleveland Browns announced on Wednesday that they were releasing former No. 1 overall pick, defensive end Myles Garrett.
Garrett, who was drafted by the Browns in 2017 out of Texas A&M, had become a cornerstone of the Browns’ defense, racking up 42.5 sacks in just four seasons.
Despite his on-field success, however, Garrett had become a liability off the field in recent years. In 2019, he was suspended for hitting Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph with his own helmet during a game, and in 2021 he was suspended for three games for punching a Los Angeles Chargers player.
The Browns had reportedly been considering trading Garrett for weeks leading up to the announcement, but were unable to find a suitable partner.
In a statement, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said, “We appreciate everything Myles has done for the organization over the past four years, but ultimately we felt that it was in the best interest of the team to move on from him at this time.”
The move is a risky one for the Browns, who will now have to fill the void left by Garrett’s departure. It also raises questions about the team’s ability to develop and manage top talent.
Despite these concerns, however, the Browns appear committed to their decision. In a press conference following the announcement, Browns general manager Andrew Berry said, “We believe that this move is necessary to achieve our long-term goals as a team, both on and off the field.”
While it remains to be seen how the Browns will fare without Garrett, one thing is clear: the team is taking bold steps to position themselves for success in the years to come. Time will tell whether this decision will pay off, but for now, the Browns seem confident in their path forward.
