In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys have reportedly finalized a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Browns, acquiring superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett in exchange for three first-round draft picks. The deal, which includes Garrett’s existing $160 million contract through 2030, marks a bold attempt by Dallas to bolster its struggling defense and solidify its status as a Super Bowl contender in 2025.
A Desperate Need for Defensive Firepower
The Cowboys’ 2025 season has been a tale of two units. While their offense, led by MVP-caliber quarterback Dak Prescott, has been a juggernaut despite the absence of star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for parts of the season, their defense has been a glaring weakness. With a 2-3-1 record, Dallas ranks among the league’s worst defensive teams, a problem exacerbated by their earlier decision to trade edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
The trade of Parsons, a generational talent, was widely criticized as a misstep by owner Jerry Jones. However, this latest move suggests Jones is determined to rectify that error. By parting with the two first-round picks acquired in the Parsons deal, plus an additional future first-rounder, the Cowboys have landed one of the NFL’s premier defensive players in Garrett, whose ability to dominate games could transform their season.
Myles Garrett: A Game-Changer for Dallas
Myles Garrett, the 2017 No. 1 overall pick, has been a cornerstone of the Cleveland Browns’ defense, earning Pro Bowl honors and consistently ranking among the league’s top edge rushers. Despite his new $160 million contract, Garrett’s age (he turns 30 next year) and the Browns’ ongoing rebuild made him a potential trade candidate. Cleveland, sitting at a dismal 1-5 and starting five rookies, is focused on developing young talent, including a potential franchise quarterback with their two first-round picks in 2026. Trading Garrett, while a tough pill to swallow, aligns with their long-term vision.
For Dallas, Garrett represents an immediate upgrade. His combination of speed, power, and football IQ makes him one of the few edge rushers in the NFL capable of matching—or even surpassing—Micah Parsons’ impact. While Garrett’s contract is hefty, it’s considered a bargain compared to the escalating costs of elite defensive talent, especially given his proven track record and durability.
The Cost: Three First-Round Picks
The price for Garrett—three first-round draft picks—is staggering, but not unprecedented for a player of his caliber. As Zac Jackson of The Athletic noted, only an offer of this magnitude would make the Browns consider moving their star defender. For the Cowboys, the decision to part with such valuable draft capital reflects their “all-in” mentality for 2025. With Prescott playing at an elite level and the offense firing on all cylinders, Dallas believes Garrett could be the missing piece to push them over the hump in the postseason.
Critics may argue that sacrificing three first-round picks limits the Cowboys’ future flexibility, especially with the need to address other roster holes. However, Jones and the front office appear to be banking on Garrett’s immediate impact to justify the cost. If the Cowboys can turn their season around and make a deep playoff run, the trade could be seen as a masterstroke.
A Win-Win for Both Teams?
For Cleveland, the trade provides a treasure trove of draft capital to accelerate their rebuild. With three first-round picks, the Browns can target a franchise quarterback, bolster their offensive line, or add more young talent to complement their existing rookies. While losing Garrett is a blow, the Browns’ focus on the future makes this deal a strategic move.
For Dallas, the acquisition of Garrett is a bold statement of intent. After the Parsons trade left their defense exposed, bringing in a player of Garrett’s caliber could restore balance to the roster and make the Cowboys a formidable force in the NFC. If Garrett can replicate his Cleveland dominance in Dallas, the Cowboys may finally have the defensive anchor they’ve lacked since trading Parsons.
The trade is not without risks. Garrett, while elite, is older than Parsons, and his contract runs through 2030, raising questions about his long-term fit with a Cowboys team that may need to rebuild in the coming years. Additionally, the loss of three first-round picks could haunt Dallas if injuries or other unforeseen issues derail their 2025 campaign.
Still, the potential rewards are immense. With Prescott playing at an MVP level and Garrett anchoring the defense, the Cowboys have a chance to redefine their season and silence their critics. Whether this blockbuster deal will be remembered as a stroke of genius or a costly gamble remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the NFL landscape has shifted, and the Dallas Cowboys are back in the spotlight.