Myles Garrett has shocked the football world and has asked for a trade out of Cleveland. Garrett has been a super star pass rusher for the Browns and has been a staple to what they’ve built defensively. However, given the way things are going he is seeking an out for the desire to win and compete for a championship.

Garrett is a star in this league and a defensive player of the year winner. Garrett would make any team better and I’ve recently discussed which teams should be after him now that he’s available.

When it comes to the Raiders, there is definitely questions as to whether they would go after Garrett. Garrett wants to win and the Raiders aren’t quite there yet, but could be with him around. Let’s dive into why and why not they should pull the trigger on such a deal.

Why They Should Grab Him

Yes the Raiders have been a basement dweller and are coming off a 4-13 season. Furthermore, they have the sixth overall pick in the draft and have been in what feels like an endless rebuild. However, there are bright days ahead and this new regime plans on building a winning culture.

The Raiders have seemed to hit a home run with this new regime. The best part is they’ve brought back their entire defensive staff, which has made super star pass rusher happy and head coach Pete Carroll is ready to get to work.

If there was an area where the Raiders should buy into, it is their defense. The Raiders have had success under Patrick Graham the last two seasons. In 2023, they had the ninth ranked defense and in 2024 they finished 15th, which is still middle of the pack. The Raiders could further invest into their defense and make it that much better.

They finished 25th in sacks in 2024, so adding a boost could be huge. Having a defensive front that includes Christian Wilkins and Crosby, Garrett would make them a matchup nightmare.

Garrett has the second most sacks since breaking into the league in 2017. Crosby is seventh since breaking into the league in 2020. These two would make a dynamic duo that would be among the best in the league. Also, the Raiders have the money to make it work. They have the second most available salary cap space ($92 million) and Garrett makes just shy of $20 million. The Raiders have other pressing needs to address, but adding Garrett would be huge for this team who’s looking to take the next step forward. But is it worth it?

Why the Raiders May Not Pull the Trigger

The Raiders could very well land Garrett and afford him, but at what cost? The Raiders have multiple glaring holes on their roster and don’t have any talent waiting to help fulfill those holes. There are brighter days ahead for the Raiders, but in the immediate it remains to be seen.

The Raiders truly need to build through the draft and integrate those young players into the lineup and perform. I am not going to play hypothetical General Manager, but I imagine the haul to land Garrett would be significant. The Raiders very well could make it work, but giving up this years first round pick should be off the table.

The Raiders would also need to sell Garrett on the idea that they are planning to win and win immediately because that is what he is seeking. I’m not gonna say it’s impossible, but I could see the Raiders not paying the price to land the star pass rusher.

It will be very interesting to see where he lands and if the Raiders are players in this sweepstakes. If I am a betting man; I’d say he lands with either the Eagles or the Lions.