Cleveland Browns Unlikely to Trade Myles Garrett Despite Potential Benefits
CLEVELAND – Despite growing frustration with the team’s performance, a trade of Browns defensive end Myles Garrett remains highly improbable before the NFL trade deadline, sources indicate. While a deal could possibly net Cleveland meaningful draft capital, the financial implications and on-field impact make a move unlikely, even as the Browns struggle to contend.
Garrett’s situation presents a complex dilemma for the Browns’ front office. Though a trade could alleviate future cap concerns tied to his contract, it would also trigger a significant $68 million dead-cap charge in 2026. Conversely, moving Garrett would allow the Browns to avoid the remaining financial obligations of his recently signed extension and potentially acquire multiple first-round draft picks – assets that could be developed into cost-effective contributors.
The Browns’ current roster challenges suggest a turnaround during Garrett’s prime is unlikely, leading some to argue that maximizing his trade value could accelerate a rebuild. Though,the team’s prior financial commitments,especially the heavily criticized Deshaun Watson trade,complicate matters. Trading Garrett now would be akin to a full-blown tank,and the Browns have already demonstrated a history of strategically accumulating draft capital through analytics-driven decision-making.
ultimately, the Browns appear hesitant to part with their star pass-rusher, recognizing the significant drop-off in performance that would follow his departure. the team’s resistance to a trade is particularly notable given their stated emphasis on objectivity, with some observers suggesting they are prioritizing keeping Garrett as the best player on a struggling team rather than pursuing a potentially transformative return for him. A package comparable to the one received by the Dallas Cowboys for Micah Parsons – or even greater, fueled by competition from Super Bowl contenders – could be within reach, but the Browns have yet to open negotiations.
