Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is fully invested in the team’s success, making him a natural recruiter. The star receiver recently put on his recruiting hat and made a pitch to Cleveland Browns defensive end.
Garrett, 29, has requested a trade from the Browns, who selected him first overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. Jefferson believes Garrett could be the missing piece for the Vikings.
“Myles, you know where to go, brother,” Jefferson said in a February 7 interview with USA Today Sports’ Sports Seriously. “We need about one, two extra pieces, and you’ll fill in that piece. We need you.”
Garrett’s Dominance and Contract Situation
Myles Garrett, who recorded 14.0 sacks in 2024, has posted double-digit sack totals for seven straight seasons, with his only exception coming as a rookie. The six-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro, and 2023 Defensive Player of the Year remains one of the league’s premier pass rushers.
He is entering the fourth year of a five-year, $125 million contract. His cap hits for the next two seasons are $19.7 million (2025) and $20.4 million (2026), with a projected impact exceeding $40.9 million in 2027.
Browns Unlikely to Budge on Trade Request
Despite Garrett’s trade request, the Browns appear unwilling to part ways with their star defender. Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reported on February 16 that the team intends to hold firm.
“If that means Garrett sits out some games, so be it,” Cabot wrote. “With Browns GM Andrew Berry telling us at the Senior Bowl that he wouldn’t even take two first-round picks, he’s ready to dig in his heels and stick to his guns.”
The Browns have previously denied trade requests from tight end David Njoku and running back Kareem Hunt, and they reportedly have no intention of letting Garrett go. However, Garrett has stated he’s “willing to do whatever it takes” to force a trade, which could lead to a prolonged standoff.
Competition for Garrett Heating Up
While the Vikings have not been directly linked to Garrett in trade talks, NFC North rivals like the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions have shown interest. Lions running back David Montgomery even made his own pitch to Garrett, saying, “If you can hear this, Myles, come on over, bro.”
Vikings’ Roster and Cap Space
Adding Garrett would strengthen the Vikings’ defense while keeping him away from division rivals. Minnesota has four picks in the 2025 draft, including No. 26 and No. 97 overall. However, expecting general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to make a major move might be ambitious. The Vikings already invested heavily in their defense last offseason, signing linebackers Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard—both of whom made their first Pro Bowl appearances.
According to Over The Cap, the Vikings are projected to have $55.5 million in salary cap space.
Vikings’ Quarterback Situation Remains Unsettled
Before making a move for Garrett, the Vikings must address their quarterback situation. Both Sam Darnold, a 2024 Pro Bowler, and midseason addition Daniel Jones are free agents.
The team’s 2024 first-round pick, J.J. McCarthy, missed his rookie season due to injury and is working to regain weight and conditioning. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert suggested the Vikings could explore a tag-and-trade scenario with Darnold.
Jefferson, however, is staying focused on his own role.
“Luckily, that ain’t my decision,” he told Athlon Sports’ Doug Farrar on February 13. “I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what we’re going to do with Sam, if we’re going to bring him back. Of course, J.J. is going to have his opportunity to make some plays and to see if he’s going to be the starter.
“I’m not sure exactly what we’re going to do with Sam and the moves that we’re going to make, but I’m always confident in myself. It don’t matter who’s going to be throwing the ball—I’m going to make a play for sure.”