The New England Patriots are in an excellent position, sitting atop the AFC East and second in the AFC. Drake Maye is playing at an MVP level, Stefon Diggs is rejuvenated, and the defense is suffocating. On top of playing well, the management is making some phenomenal trades.
Earlier this year, they managed to get draft capital back for Davon Godchaux and Ja'Lynn Polk, both very ineffective players. The bloated contract of Kyle Dugger was shipped off to Pittsburgh on Tuesday, and they also nabbed a draft pick for Keion White.
The Pat McAfee Show discussed the Patriots adding to their juggernaut defense, which has allowed just 186.3 passing yards per game since Week 3. Looking at Garrett's contract, McAfee said, "The contract kind of looks tradable."
While that may seem an odd thing to say, it's important. Garrett requested a trade this past offseason but eventually signed a four-year, $160 million deal with Cleveland. He has ten sacks to this point in the year, with a career-high five coming against New England in Week 8.
McAfee pointed out his co-host, Boston Connor, when discussing trade rumors and Garrett's potential landing spots, citing the Patriots as a possible destination. Connor cited Vrabel and Elliot Wolf's comments on players they could trade for, and how making a move for a player would likely be a long-term move. In other words, they would want to add a player whom they could retain for multiple seasons. Maxx Crosby and Brian Burns were mentioned in addition to Garrett.
Trading for Myles Garrett would be a dream for the Patriots
Garrett isn't likely to be available, given the Browns' strong defensive play. Nonetheless, should the Browns have any willingness to move on, the Patriots should be at the front of the line. It would likely take multiple first-rounders to acquire him, along with another player or pick.
Perhaps 2026 and 2027 first-round picks, a 2026 third-rounder, and Anfernee Jennings could get the deal done? It's a lot to trade for a player who will be 30 in December, but he's worth the cost.
The other options, Crosby and Burns, are also interesting. Crosby would likely require similar compensation to acquire, while the Giants moving on from Brian Burns seems more unlikely. Acquiring a truly transcendent pass rusher at the trade deadline isn't common, but if the opportunity presents itself, the Patriots need to take that opportunity.
The Patriots have plenty of cap space too, with $55 million to spend. Acquiring Garrett wouldn't be easy, but his addition would make the Patriots a Super Bowl-caliber team.