NFL insider addresses odds of Deshaun Watson losing Myles Garrett in addition to Amari Cooper
Deshaun Watson's 2024 season has so far been defined by losing. He's 1-5 to start the campaign, and on Tuesday, he lost his top receiver, Amari Cooper. With one key star already moving on from the team on offense, the question now is whether the Cleveland Browns will trade perhaps their best player on defense.
On Thursday's edition of "Get Up," NFL insider Adam Schefter contended that they are highly unlikely to part ways with Myles Garrett.
"I don't see them trading Maxx Crosby, and I don't see the Browns trading Myles Garrett," Schefter said (timestamp 5:26). "I don't care if neither one of those teams wins any games up until the trade deadline. I don't think their stance changes."
In that sense, Browns fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Aside from Joe Thomas, Myles Garrett has been one of the most consistent stars for a long period for the franchise. Since his addition in 2017, Garrett has racked up double-digit sacks six times. This season, he is on pace to make it seven, with four sacks in six weeks.
Deshaun Watson faces chance to climb or solidify spot at bottom of AFC North
To the optimistic fans of the Cleveland Browns, the team's upcoming matchup against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals is a chance to climb to third place in the division. To Deshaun Watson's detractors, it is an opportunity to lock themselves in the cellar of the AFC North and throw away the key.
After losing Amari Cooper, the Browns have at least two big things going for them. First, their passing game will have an added element of surprise as Watson will need to learn who he can rely on the most out without Cooper. Second, with Nick Chubb coming back this week, they now have their running game back to almost full strength.
They'll face the Bengals, who have slid into somewhat of a late Andy Dalton-era position. The Browns might need the game more as they will face the Baltimore Ravens after.
Will Deshaun Watson's Browns slip to 1-7 over the next two weeks?