Fresh off their second Super Bowl triumph, the Seattle Seahawks are now navigating the challenges that come with success. The team has seen several key players in their secondary depart via free agency, and perhaps most notably, Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III has made his way to the Chiefs.
Despite these losses, the Seahawks remain strong contenders for another championship run next season, especially after securing Jaxon Smith-Njigba with a lucrative extension. However, bolstering their defense with some experienced talent could be crucial to maintaining their edge. Enter the possibility of acquiring a game-changer like Myles Garrett, though such a move would come with a hefty price tag.
Myles Garrett, the Cleveland Browns' defensive powerhouse and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, shattered records with 23 sacks last season. While Garrett requested a trade last offseason, he ultimately inked a four-year, $160 million contract with the Browns. Recent adjustments to this deal, however, might make a trade more feasible, even if Cleveland remains resistant to the idea.
For the Seahawks, landing Garrett could help fill the voids left by their offseason departures and reinforce their already formidable defense. As Gary Davenport from Bleacher Report noted, a trade for Garrett would be a bold, all-in maneuver by Seattle's general manager, John Schneider. The Seahawks have over $33 million in cap space, which could facilitate such a deal, but they might need to sweeten the pot with draft picks, potentially including a Day 2 pick alongside two first-rounders.
The cost of acquiring Garrett would likely start at two first-round picks, a benchmark set by previous blockbuster trades. The Ravens had agreed to a similar price for Maxx Crosby, and the Cowboys parted with two first-round picks and a veteran starter for Micah Parsons. Given Garrett's accolades, negotiations would likely demand at least this level of investment.
Seattle is well-positioned with cap space and young talent, making it feasible to part with high-value draft picks. While acquiring Garrett isn't an absolute necessity, pairing him with Leonard Williams could create a defensive nightmare for division rivals like Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy, not to mention any potential new talent the Arizona Cardinals might draft.
With the offseason departure of edge rusher Boye Mafe to the Bengals, Garrett wouldn't be stepping on any toes in Seattle. While the defense would remain strong without him, Garrett could be the perfect solution to elevate the Seahawks' defense to an elite level once again.