The Browns' Complex Garrett Trade: Unpacking the Deal's Intricacies
The Cleveland Browns' acquisition of Myles Garrett in 2017 remains one of the most impactful draft day decisions in franchise history. However, the trade itself wasn't a simple swap. Let's delve into the intricacies of the deal and analyze its lasting impact on the Browns.
The Trade Breakdown:
The Browns traded up to secure the #1 overall pick, a move that cost them significantly. To move from pick #12 to #1, they surrendered:
- Their own #12 overall pick: This was the foundation of the trade, a high-value asset in itself.
- Their #33 overall pick (1st round): Adding another premium pick amplified the trade's cost.
- Their 2018 1st round pick: This future pick added substantial long-term value to the deal, showcasing the Browns' commitment to Garrett.
- Their 2018 3rd round pick: This less high-profile pick further sweetened the deal for the Texans, providing additional compensation.
Why the Complexity Matters:
This wasn't a typical one-for-one trade. The Browns' willingness to part with multiple high-value draft picks underscores their belief in Garrett's potential. This strategy highlights the Browns' aggressive approach to rebuilding their roster and prioritizing a cornerstone defensive player. The sheer number of draft picks involved speaks volumes about the risk and reward associated with the trade. The Browns essentially mortgaged a significant portion of their early draft capital for the chance to secure Garrett.
The Long-Term Implications:
The decision to make this substantial investment has had a lasting impact:
- Defensive Foundation: Garrett has undoubtedly become a foundational piece of the Browns' defense, consistently demonstrating his elite pass-rushing ability and becoming a defensive leader.
- Draft Capital Depletion: While acquiring Garrett proved successful, the trade depleted Cleveland's draft capital in the subsequent years. This had implications for other roster-building efforts.
- Risk and Reward: The trade represented a high-risk, high-reward proposition. While it paid off handsomely in securing Garrett, it could have backfired spectacularly had he not lived up to expectations.
Analyzing the Success:
The trade's success hinges largely on Garrett's performance. His consistent production and leadership role make it arguably a worthwhile investment, despite the significant cost in draft picks. However, a fair assessment requires considering the opportunity cost: what other talent could the Browns have acquired with those forfeited picks?
Conclusion:
The Myles Garrett trade was far from straightforward. The Browns' willingness to part with considerable draft capital underscores the franchise's commitment to achieving immediate success. While the trade certainly depleted future draft resources, the long-term impact on their defensive prowess and overall team success remains undeniably positive, making it a complex but ultimately successful strategy. The trade serves as a case study in the high-stakes decisions involved in NFL team building.
