The Vikings Don’t Need Myles Garrett.

Defensive POTY
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports.

It’s unbelievable that a team would turn down the possibility of acquiring an all-time talent. However, that’s the stance Minnesota should take regarding Myles Garrett. It’s disappointing that he needs a new destination, but the Browns stink. The Vikings are a better landing spot, but it doesn’t make sense.

The Vikings Don’t Need Myles Garrett.

Last offseason, Minnesota opted against committing big money to a pair of departing free agents. Kirk Cousins chased the bag and went to Atlanta, while Danielle Hunter found an ideal fit back home in Texas. The Vikings ended up better off at both positions.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) takes the field before an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio. © Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, despite his struggles through the draft, was able to identify a great free agent class again. Among the new faces were both edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. That tandem appears like they are ready to plant roots, and it doesn’t even consider the continued development of rookie Dallas Turner.

Myles Garrett is certainly a better talent than any of those players. Roster construction isn’t handled in a vacuum, though. The reality is that he would displace one of the two starters, and likely cost Turner along with draft capital. Minnesota already doesn’t have much draft capital to share, and they shouldn’t be looking to break up a tandem that worked.

Ken Blaze-Imagn Images.

There’s nothing wrong with the idea that the Vikings can trade their first-round pick. Stocking up on more picks is one path, or flipping it for an established veteran at a position of need is another. Neither of those things is accomplished by working to swing something for Garrett. If he was out on the open market and cap space was the only consideration, you could maybe generate an argument.

Minnesota needs to get better in the trenches. They must address the cornerback position. They have to decide who will play safety with a bunch of potential players departing. With so much cap space to their credit, they should be singularly focused on those goals.

myles garrett
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Kevin O’Connell needs a strong influx of talent to help replicate a season that surpassed expectations. There is lots of heavy lifting to be done this offseason. Garrett doesn’t need to be in the building to help with it.


Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.