Myles Garrett, one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive players, has officially requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns. Garrett, the first overall pick in the 2017 draft and a six-time Pro Bowler, cited his desire to compete for a championship as the reason behind his decision. “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,” he said in a statement Monday.

The Browns struggled to a 3-14 finish last season and have made the playoffs only twice since drafting Garrett, winning just one postseason game. Despite Cleveland’s front office stating earlier this year that they had no plans to trade Garrett, his request has now put the franchise in a difficult position. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Browns remain firm on keeping him.

Garrett, 29, remains one of the league’s elite pass rushers, finishing the 2024 season with 14 sacks and three forced fumbles. He has recorded 102.5 sacks in 117 career games and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. With two seasons left on his five-year contract extension, his future now depends on whether Cleveland sticks to its stance or entertains offers for its star defender.