Browns Weigh Trade Options for Star Pass Rusher Myles Garrett

Amid contract restructuring, Cleveland considers moving on from All-Pro defensive end

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:23pm

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The Cleveland Browns are reportedly open to trading star pass rusher Myles Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, ahead of the upcoming draft. General Manager Andrew Berry has modified Garrett's contract to provide more salary cap flexibility, fueling speculation that the team is positioning itself to deal the 27-year-old edge rusher. Garrett, who has a no-trade clause, publicly requested a trade in 2025 citing a desire to join a contender, though he ultimately signed a $160 million extension with the Browns.

Why it matters

Garrett is widely considered one of the best defensive players in the NFL, so his potential departure would be a major blow to the Browns' roster. However, Cleveland is still in rebuilding mode after a 5-12 season, and trading Garrett could net them significant draft capital to accelerate their turnaround. The move would also allow Garrett, who is entering his 10th season, to join a more competitive team and potentially compete for a championship.

The details

The contract restructuring involves Garrett receiving an option bonus seven days before the start of the season instead of 15 days after the start of the league year from 2026-30. This gives potential trade partners more salary cap flexibility. The Browns are saying they won't trade Garrett, but GM Andrew Berry is likely open to listening to offers, especially if a team is willing to part with multiple first-round picks as the Ravens did in their failed attempt to acquire Maxx Crosby from the Raiders.

  • The NFL draft is less than four weeks away (as of March 28, 2026).
  • Garrett publicly requested a trade in February 2025.
  • Garrett signed a $160 million contract extension with the Browns in March 2025.

The players

Myles Garrett

A 27-year-old defensive end and the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, who has spent his entire 9-year career with the Cleveland Browns. Garrett requested a trade in 2025 citing a desire to join a contender, though he ultimately signed a $160 million extension with the team.

Andrew Berry

The General Manager of the Cleveland Browns, who has modified Garrett's contract in a way that provides more salary cap flexibility, fueling speculation that the team is open to trading the star pass rusher.

Jerry Jones

The owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who could be a potential trade partner for Garrett given the team's need for an edge rusher after trading away Micah Parsons.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think we're aligned on where the team is going in the near future. It's never been about the Hall of Fame for me. It's not about money or records. It's about winning, bringing a trophy back home to your city, whichever city that is.”

— Myles Garrett

“I anticipated Garrett playing his entire career with the Browns and then being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame five years after retiring.”

— Andrew Berry, General Manager, Cleveland Browns

What’s next

The NFL owners meetings begin on March 29 in Scottsdale, Arizona, where the Browns' proposal to allow teams to trade draft picks five years into the future (up from the current three-year limit) will be considered. If approved by 75% of owners, this rule change could facilitate a potential Garrett trade.

The takeaway

Garrett's contract restructuring and public trade request in 2025 suggest the Browns are open to moving on from their star pass rusher, especially if they can secure a substantial haul of draft capital in return. While the team is publicly saying Garrett won't be traded, savvy GMs like the Cowboys' Jerry Jones could test Cleveland's resolve with an enticing offer ahead of the upcoming draft.