The idea of trading away a team’s top performer and arguably the NFL’s best player regardless of position is a tough pill to swallow. Garrett cannot be replaced in the Browns’ lineup. However, this particular trade provides a bigger picture understanding of where Cleveland stands as an organization and where it needs to go.
As always, it starts at quarterback.
Garrett’s historic season helped Cleveland win all of five games and didn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things, because the NFL is a quarterback-driven league. If you don’t have a franchise QB—which the Browns don’t—the greatness of a player at any other position can’t fill that void.
This season in Cleveland is all about assessing Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. If neither works out, the Browns will be restarting at the game’s most important position once again. Whereas Garrett turns 32 during the 2027 campaign.
The Browns maximized trade value now instead of waiting, possibly seeing a decline in Garrett’s play over the next couple of years and hoping a young quarterback finally hits early in his career.
As difficult as this situation is, the Browns have done what’s necessary to build toward future seasons.
Last year’s draft class proved to be outstanding with the additions of defensive tackle Mason Graham, linebacker and reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger, running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. General manager Andrew Berry added another strong class this past April by selecting top offensive tackle Spencer Fano, wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston and safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.
A strong foundation is being built, albeit with a newer, younger cornerstone in Jared Verse, who is 25 and a former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
More importantly, the Browns have yet more ammunition in next year’s draft to secure a top quarterback prospect. With the Rams’ 2027 pick added to the mix, Cleveland now has a pair of first-round selections to possibly maneuver and obtain its preferred choice.
In Cleveland, the quarterback puzzle has yet to be solved a staggering 27 years after the franchise NFL return. The ongoing problem cost the team its best player. Hopefully, the return from the Garrett trade helps to properly address the issue and finally allows the Browns to create something of substance.