49ers Emerge as Potential Trade Destination for 5-Time All-Pro Myles Garrett

The addition of the star defensive end could give San Francisco's defense a major boost ahead of the 2026 season.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:42pm by

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a football player in mid-sack motion, with sharp planes of color and form capturing the raw power and athleticism of the defensive play.A cubist interpretation of a dominant defensive end disrupting the offense, hinting at the potential impact Myles Garrett could have on the 49ers' defense.San Francisco Today

The San Francisco 49ers have been listed as a potential trade destination for Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett. Garrett, a 2-time Defensive Player of the Year, could provide a massive boost to the 49ers' defense as they look to make another deep playoff run in 2026 after reaching the playoffs in 5 of the last 7 seasons.

Why it matters

The 49ers had the 20th-ranked defense in the NFL last season despite having talented players like Nick Bosa, Dre Greenlaw, and Fred Warner. Adding an elite pass rusher like Garrett could take their defense to the next level and make them a true Super Bowl contender.

The details

The 49ers are seen as a potential trade partner for Garrett, who has a no-trade clause and would have to approve any deal. A trade for Garrett would likely require significant draft capital, with last year's Micah Parsons trade being a potential starting point. The Browns would also face a $40.3 million dead cap hit if they traded Garrett before June 1.

  • The 49ers made the playoffs in 5 of the last 7 seasons, including 4 trips to the NFC Championship or Super Bowl.
  • Last season, the 49ers overcame injuries to finish 12-5 and make the playoffs, where they were eliminated in the Divisional Round.
  • The 49ers hired Raheem Morris as their new defensive coordinator this offseason after Robert Saleh left to become the Titans' head coach.

The players

Myles Garrett

A 5-time Pro Bowl and 2-time Defensive Player of the Year defensive end for the Cleveland Browns, who is being targeted by the 49ers in a potential blockbuster trade.

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, who has led the team to the playoffs in 5 of the last 7 seasons.

Raheem Morris

The new defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, taking over for Robert Saleh who left to become the Titans' head coach.

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What they’re saying

“Any trade for Garrett would be a whopper—last year's Micah Parsons deal is probably the starting point in terms of compensation. The Texas A&M product has a no-trade clause, so he would have to sign off on any deal. And a trade before June 1 would blast the Browns for a $40.3 million dead cap hit.”

— Gary Davenport, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

The 49ers will need to negotiate a potential trade package with the Browns for Myles Garrett, who has a no-trade clause and would need to approve any deal. The compensation would likely be significant, with last year's Micah Parsons trade being a potential starting point.

The takeaway

The addition of a dominant pass rusher like Myles Garrett could be a game-changer for the 49ers' defense and put them over the top as a true Super Bowl contender in 2026. However, acquiring Garrett would come at a steep price in terms of draft capital and salary cap impact for the Browns.