The Kansas City Chiefs have been a dominant force in the NFL over the past few years, thanks in large part to an explosive offense led by star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. However, despite their offensive brilliance, the Chiefs have struggled to find a consistent pass rush on the defensive side of the ball. That is until now. With the NFL draft just around the corner, the Chiefs have an opportunity to address this issue and secure the pass rush for years to come with a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Browns.
The Chiefs finished the 2020 season with a disappointing 14th-ranked defense, largely due to their lackluster pass rush. While they have a solid foundation with players like Chris Jones and Frank Clark, they have yet to find a dominant edge rusher who can consistently get to the quarterback and disrupt opposing offenses. But that could all change with a trade for Cleveland Browns defensive end, Myles Garrett.
Garrett, the number one overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft, has established himself as one of the league’s premier pass rushers. In just four seasons, he has already racked up an impressive 42.5 sacks, including a career-high 12 sacks in just 14 games last season. He also has an impressive 85 quarterback hits and 11 forced fumbles, proving his ability to not only get to the quarterback but also make game-changing plays.
So why would the Browns be willing to part ways with such a valuable player? The answer lies in the fact that the Browns have a surplus of talent on their defensive line, including younger options like Jadeveon Clowney and Takk McKinley who could fill the void left by Garrett. In addition, the Browns are also desperate for draft picks after trading away several of their picks in recent years.
This presents the Chiefs with a golden opportunity to secure a young, elite pass rusher in his prime to pair with Jones and Clark on the defensive line. The addition of Garrett would instantly transform the Chiefs’ defense, making them a force to be reckoned with in the AFC and a serious Super Bowl contender. And the best part? They can acquire Garrett without having to give up any of their first-round picks.
The proposed trade would see the Chiefs part ways with their second-round pick (59th overall) and potentially a future pick, in exchange for Garrett. This is a steal for the Chiefs, as they would essentially be getting a top-tier pass rusher for a fraction of the cost. With the 59th pick, the Browns could potentially add depth to their secondary or offensive line, while the Chiefs would get the missing piece to their defensive puzzle.
Not only would this trade address a major need for the Chiefs, but it would also send a clear message to the AFC that they are not resting on their laurels and are determined to improve their defense. The addition of Garrett would not only improve their pass rush, but it would also have a ripple effect on the rest of their defense, providing more opportunities for their secondary and linebackers to make plays.
In addition, this move would also send a message to the Kansas City fans that the team is committed to building a long-term dynasty, rather than just relying on Mahomes’ brilliance. With a dominant offense already in place, it’s time to shift the focus to the defense and create a well-rounded team that can compete with the best in the league.
Of course, there is always a risk involved in any trade, and some may argue that giving up draft picks for a player with only a few years left on his contract is not a wise decision. However, in the NFL, it’s all about winning now, and the addition of Garrett would significantly improve the Chiefs’ chances of winning another Super Bowl in the near future.
In conclusion, the proposed trade between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cleveland Browns is a no-brainer for the Chiefs. It would address a major need on their defense, send a message to their fans and the rest of the league, and put them in a better position to compete for another championship. With the NFL draft just around the corner, let’s hope the Chiefs can execute this trade and secure the pass rush for years to come.
