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The Buccaneers Should Trade for Myles Garrett
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

With a clear need to upgrade the edge rush, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a position where adding a premier pass rusher has become increasingly important to maximizing their defensive potential.

Adding a generational defensive talent like Myles Garrett isn’t just a splash move — it’s the kind of franchise-altering decision that can push a contender over the top. If the Cleveland Browns ever seriously entertain offers, Tampa Bay should be among the first teams calling.

The Case for Garrett in Tampa Bay

Elite Game-Wrecker

Garrett is the definition of a defensive cornerstone. He consistently commands double teams, collapses pockets, and forces offenses to completely alter protection schemes. This isn’t just production — it’s disruption at the highest level.

Pairing Garrett with Vita Vea would give Tampa Bay one of the most physically dominant front alignments in football. Interior power plus edge explosiveness is how defenses take over games in January.

Maximizing the Super Bowl Window

The Buccaneers are not rebuilding — they’re competing. With key veterans still playing at a high level and a roster capable of winning now, this is exactly when you make an aggressive move.

Garrett instantly elevates the defense from “very good” to “elite.” He’s the type of player who can swing playoff games with a single series.

Fixing the Pass Rush Ceiling

Tampa Bay’s pass rush has been solid, but not consistently dominant. Adding Garrett changes the math entirely:

  • More one-on-ones for everyone else
  • Faster pressure = better secondary play
  • More turnovers created by chaos up front

Simply put: he makes everyone better.

What It Would Cost the Buccaneers

Let’s be clear — acquiring Garrett would not come cheap. The Cleveland Browns would demand a massive return.

Projected Trade Package

Option A (Pick-Heavy Deal):
  • 2026 1st-round pick
  • 2027 1st-round pick
  • 2026 2nd-round pick
  • 2027 Day 2 pick (2nd or 3rd)
Option B (Player + Picks):
  • 2026 1st-round pick
  • 2027 1st-round pick
  • Young impact player (example: Calijah Kancey)
  • Additional Day 2 pick

The Hard Truth: You Have to Give to Get

A deal like this likely means parting with premium draft capital and possibly a young building block. That’s the cost of doing business for a player of Garrett’s caliber.

But this is the key question:

Would you trade future assets for a present-day championship push?

For a team like Tampa Bay, the answer should be yes.

The Financial Factor

Garrett would also require a significant financial commitment. However, Tampa Bay has shown creativity with contracts and cap management in the past. Structuring a deal to fit him in is difficult — but far from impossible.

Final Verdict

Trading for Myles Garrett would be bold, it would be expensive. It would be risky.

It might also be the move that delivers another Lombardi Trophy to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Championship teams don’t always play it safe — and opportunities to acquire a player like Garrett rarely come around. If the Browns open the door, Tampa Bay shouldn’t hesitate to walk through it.

This article first appeared on Bucs Report and was syndicated with permission.

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