2025 NFL Draft: Could Abdul Carter be Myles Garrett’s replacement in Cleveland?

The Cleveland Browns could be heading for a major shake-up this offseason, and one of the biggest potential moves involves trading their best player. Future Hall of Fame defensive end Myles Garrett has requested a trade, which would mark a seismic shift for the franchise. Since being selected first overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, Garrett has recorded double-digit sacks in seven straight seasons, including at least 14 sacks in each of the last four years. A six-time All-Pro, he was also named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.

If the Browns do decide to move on from Garrett, the pressing question becomes: Who will replace him? One possible answer is Penn State’s Abdul Carter. Widely regarded as the top defensive end in the 2025 NFL Draft, Carter was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year after an outstanding season in which he led the nation with 24 tackles for loss and ranked sixth with 12 sacks.

2025 NFL Draft: Adbul Carter is as dominant a defender as they come

As a prospect, Carter may have the highest upside in the draft and has even drawn comparisons to Cowboys star edge rusher Micah Parsons. His elite burst off the edge made him nearly unblockable this past season, and his agility allows him to bend around offensive tackles with ease. With proper development, Carter has the tools to become a dominant pass rusher in the NFL.

If Cleveland selects Carter with the second overall pick, they could also bolster their roster with additional young talent using the draft capital acquired in a Garrett trade. One rumored landing spot for Garrett is the New England Patriots, who currently hold the fourth pick in the draft, and with Drake Maye established as their starting quarterback might not be far off from being a contender in the AFC East. If the Browns were to acquire that selection, they could draft wide receiver Travis Hunter, giving them  the top two players in this year’s class.

Additionally, the Browns would likely receive New England’s second-round pick, which could be used to strengthen their offensive line with a prospect like Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. They would also likely acquire the Patriots’ 2026 first-round pick, potentially a top-15 selection. This extra draft capital could put the Browns in position to trade up for a franchise quarterback, such as Arch Manning, in next year’s draft.

While parting ways with Myles Garrett may not be an easy decision for Cleveland fans, securing the right trade package could set the franchise up for long-term success. By adding two elite prospects this year and a potential franchise quarterback next year, the Browns could be building a foundation for sustained success.