Jaguars Urged to Make Myles Garrett Blockbuster Trade Despite Major Risk

Trading for the star defensive end would boost the Jaguars' contender status, but at a steep cost.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:38pm

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The Jacksonville Jaguars have been named as a potential trade destination for Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett. While pairing Garrett with the Jaguars' defense would create a formidable pass rush, the high cost in draft capital and salary cap space would severely limit the team's ability to address other roster needs and retain key players entering contract years.

Why it matters

The Jaguars are seen as an up-and-coming team in the AFC, but their pass rush remains a weakness. Adding a dominant edge rusher like Garrett could push them over the top, but the steep price tag may be too much for the team to realistically afford without compromising their long-term roster-building efforts.

The details

Sports Illustrated's Conor Orr suggested the Jaguars could acquire Garrett by sending the Browns a pair of first-round picks in 2027 and 2028. While Garrett is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year who would instantly transform the Jaguars' defense, his massive contract would limit the team's ability to re-sign their own key players like Travon Walker, Parker Washington, and Brenton Strange, as well as pursue other free agents.

  • Myles Garrett has been with the Cleveland Browns since being selected as the 1st overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

The players

Myles Garrett

A star defensive end for the Cleveland Browns who has been named to the Pro Bowl 7 times and earned 5 First-Team All-Pro selections.

Travon Walker

A defensive end for the Jacksonville Jaguars who is entering a contract year.

Parker Washington

A wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars who is entering a contract year.

Brenton Strange

A tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars who is entering a contract year.

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What they’re saying

“The Jaguars have an excellent defensive coordinator, Anthony Campanile, who is sure to interview for head coaching jobs again next season. The team will also struggle to retain offensive coordinator Grant Udinski if the team's success under Liam Coen continues. In terms of windows, Jacksonville's upon us. Pairing Garrett with Josh Hines-Allen would create a havoc-wreaking defensive front that would throttle the vulnerable offensive lines through the division.”

— Conor Orr, Sports Illustrated Writer

“The Browns could field 2027 and '28 first-round picks from Jacksonville, taking ownership of a full presidential term's worth of Jacksonville draft picks, thanks to the trade up for Travis Hunter.”

— Conor Orr, Sports Illustrated Writer

What’s next

The Jaguars would need to determine if the cost in draft capital and salary cap space to acquire Myles Garrett is worth the potential boost to their roster and chances of contending in the AFC.

The takeaway

While adding a dominant pass rusher like Myles Garrett could transform the Jaguars' defense and push them into contender status, the steep price tag in terms of draft picks and salary cap flexibility may be too much for the team to realistically afford without compromising their ability to retain their own key players and build a well-rounded roster.