The AFC North has long been considered one of the best conferences in the NFL, and a large reason for this reputation has always been based on defense. To be more specific, they have always been known for their pass rushers.

In recent history you have players like Try Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals, Terrell Suggs of the Baltimore Ravens, T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns.

Watt and Garrett have both won Defensive Player of the Year honors, and the latter of those two might be seeing a change in scenery before the start of the 2025 season. Yes, you read that correctly, the star Browns defender has officially requested a trade from the organization who drafted him.

This per ESPN’s Adam Schefter:

Myles Garrett has requested a trade.

His statement: pic.twitter.com/yx5Q9Exa0V

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 3, 2025

Before Steelers fans can celebrate Garrett potentially leaving the AFC North, ESPN’s own Jeremy Fowler is suggesting the team isn’t willing to part ways with their talented pass rusher. According to Fowler, “Nothing has changed” in regards to the Browns desire to move Garrett.

Source on #Browns‘ stance amid Myles Garrett’s trade request: ‘Nothing has changed.’ Team has said publicly it has no plans to trade Garrett.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 3, 2025

For a team like the Browns, they can say what they want publicly, but internally they have to think about the ramifications of a potential Garrett trade. And when I think about those ramifications, I’m talking about accruing positive NFL Draft capital which could help them dig out of their hole which was left by the DeShaun Watson contract.

As for the Steelers fan base, they would love nothing more than for Garrett to find a new home. The constant comparisons between Garrett and Watt wouldn’t stop, but would certainly lessen if Garrett were to be traded, and the long, and sordid, history between Garrett and the Steelers could be a closed chapter.

How the Browns handle this situation will absolutely be worth watching for Steelers fans, if for nothing more than the thought of the team not having to face Garrett, who remains a very talented player, twice a season.

How do you think this will play out? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of the offseason.