As of February 20, 2025, the NFL offseason is heating up with speculation surrounding Cleveland Browns superstar Myles Garrett, who formally requested a trade earlier this month. The 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and perennial All-Pro defensive end has made it clear he wants to join a team with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations—a goal he feels is out of reach with the Browns, who stumbled to a dismal 3-14 record this season. With Garrett’s future in Cleveland uncertain, sportsbooks have released odds on his potential next team, and the Washington Commanders have emerged as the betting favorites, even surpassing the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Commanders lead the pack with odds of +300, implying a strong likelihood they could land the 29-year-old pass-rushing phenom. The Eagles follow at +450, with the Browns themselves at +500—reflecting the possibility that Cleveland might retain him if trade offers don’t meet their steep demands. The Buffalo Bills (+550) and Detroit Lions (+650) round out the top five, while other contenders like the Chicago Bears (+900) linger further down the list. Washington’s position at the top is intriguing, especially given Philadelphia’s recent triumph in Super Bowl LIX, where their dominant defensive line overwhelmed the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Commanders’ appeal as a destination stems from several factors. With over $100 million in projected cap space for 2025, they have the financial flexibility to absorb Garrett’s $19.7 million cap hit and potentially extend his contract. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has injected new life into the franchise, guiding them to an NFC Championship appearance this season. However, their defense—exposed for 55 points against the Eagles in that playoff loss—remains a weak link. Garrett, with his league-leading 22 tackles for loss and 14 sacks in 2024, could transform Washington’s front seven into a formidable unit, complementing existing stars like Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne.
Meanwhile, the Eagles, fresh off a championship, boast an already elite defensive line featuring Josh Sweat and Jalen Carter. Adding Garrett would make them downright terrifying, but their cap situation is tighter, and their first-round pick (likely 31st or 32nd overall) might not entice Cleveland as much as Washington’s higher draft capital. The Browns, for their part, have publicly resisted trading Garrett, but his desire to compete for a title could force their hand if the right offer—think multiple first-round picks and a young player—comes along.
As the NFL Combine approaches, the Garrett saga will only intensify. For now, the Commanders hold the edge in the betting markets, signaling a potential blockbuster move that could reshape the NFC landscape. Whether they can outbid the champs remains the million-dollar question.
