Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett requested a trade at the start of the NFL offseason, making it clear he has no interest in playing with a franchise he doesn’t believe is ready for contention. Amid swirling NFL rumors of potential Super Bowl contenders interested in the Defensive Player of the Year, one alternative outcome could be on the table.
The Browns front office has been adamant it won’t move Garrett. Cleveland’s general manager Andrew Berry told reports that even if a club offered two first-round picks for the All-Pro edge rusher, the proposal would be declined immediately. From the team’s perspective, Garrett is a core part of their intention to compete in 2025.
- Myles Garrett contract (Spotrac): $19.722 million cap hit in 2025, $20.374 million cap hit in 2026
What makes this situation unique is that it legitimately seems to have little to do with money. While Garrett eventually wants a contract extension that approaches $35 to $40 million per season, his primary focus is on competing for the Lombardi Trophy.
Some around the league still believe this inevitably ends with Garrett forcing his way out of Cleveland, likely ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, there’s another scenario that could play out to accommodate both sides’ wishes.
Sports Illustrated‘s NFL reporter Albert Breer touched on the situation in Cleveland, sharing the likeliest scenario is a compromise where Garrett spends the 2025 season with the Browns. If the team doesn’t turn things around, they would then trade him next offseason.
“I’d say the most likely ending to this story is the Browns and Garrett find some compromise, maybe with an agreement to aggressively build for this year and trade him in 2026 if things don’t work out.”
Albert Breer on how Myles Garrett’s situation with the Cleveland Browns could play out
- Myles Garrett stats (ESPN): 28 QB hits, 22 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, 11.5 stuffs, 3 forced fumbles
It would mean Garrett spends another one of his prime years playing for a team that likely won’t be competing for the Super Bowl. However, the Browns front office could at least vow to improve the roster as much as possible for the 2025 season and if expectations aren’t met, then Garrett’s trade request is granted.
At the very least, a long-term partnership seems unlikely. While Cleveland does have Garrett under contract for the next two seasons, the future Hall of Famer seems destined to get off the team by the start of the 2026 NFL season barring a massive on-field turnaround by the team.
