Saying the Los Angeles Chargers had an underwhelming end to their season may be an understatement, as they fell short in the Wild Card round, 32-12.
While star quarterback Justin Herbert, who ranked No. 14 in PFSN’s QB+ statistic, was certainly the most glaring weakness in the disappointing loss, giving up 32 points is never a good sign for a Super Bowl contender. It’s worth noting this defensive performance was a fluke compared to the majority of the regular season.
The Chargers’ lack of weapons can be addressed in the 2025 NFL Draft and free agency, but adding a game-changing and established defender is easier via the trade market. The most dominant defender and arguably the most valuable player on the trade market is Cleveland Browns superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett.
Chargers Predicted To Acquire Myles Garrett via Blockbuster Trade
The Chargers’ unit slotted No. 4 in PFSN’s Defense+ metric, so why not vault themselves even further up the ranks while trusting in the face of their franchise to rise to the occasion when it matters most?
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton predicts Los Angeles to make a blockbuster trade for Garrett, giving Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter just another elite player. The projected deal from B/R sees the Browns send Garrett, a 2026 third-round pick, and a 2026 seventh-round pick to Los Angeles in exchange for a 2025 first-round pick (No. 22 overall), a 2025 fourth-round pick, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick.
“If Garrett somehow forces the Browns’ hand, they could get a massive haul for him, similar to what the Las Vegas Raiders received for prime Khalil Mack from the Chicago Bears in 2018,” Moton wrote. “Based on Garrett’s demand to hear a winning plan from the Browns, his most aggressive suitors will be playoff-caliber squads looking to load up for the 2025 season.”
Garrett, the four-time All-Pro 29-year-old, was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year once again after winning the award in 2023. In the 2024 campaign, he recorded 14 sacks, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
If the Chargers feel it’s not worth parting with a bundle of assets for Garrett, here’s a look at five other trade destinations.
If Not the Chargers, Other Destinations That Make Sense for Myles Garrett
It’s worth noting the price tag for Garrett is a first and second-round pick, or a first-round pick and two third-round selections plus a player, according to an NFL GM who spoke with The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills are seemingly always one piece away from taking down the Kansas City Chiefs and reaching the Super Bowl.
A defensive superstar with 14 or more sacks in four consecutive seasons could be just that. Buffalo’s defense ranked No. 18 in PFN’s Defense+ metric, which Garrett could potentially boost into the top 10.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons’ defense was among the worst in the league last season while quarterback Kirk Cousins crumbled, leading to his eventual benching.
If Garrett believes in his ability to bring Atlanta’s defense to a Super Bowl level and holds trust in sophomore QB Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons could be his next home.
There are promising pieces all over the field for Atlanta, and Garrett could bring the roster together.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers got bounced out of the playoffs by the NFC’s Super Bowl representative, the Philadelphia Eagles. In Garrett’s trade request, he wrote, “The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.”
Green Bay’s front office shares this vision and, like the Falcons, has the pieces necessary to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Detroit Lions
When talking about a team with Super Bowl expectations, the Lions are one of the first to come to mind. Surprising when thinking about their franchise history, but ironically they reverted to that form when it mattered most.
Detroit fell short to the Washington Commanders but still has one of the strongest rosters in the NFL.
Washington Commanders
If the Lions’ playoff choke job scared off Garrett, why not go to the team that defeated him? The Commanders made a surprise run to the NFC Championship and are home to arguably the greatest rookie QB of all-time, Jayden Daniels. Their pass rush and run defense was one of the biggest factors to their eventual loss against the Eagles.