Bills Explore Myles Garrett Trade Possibility

Shifting bonus payment date opens door for Browns star's potential departure

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:40pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in mid-motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy blue, red, and white, conceptually representing the complex negotiations and strategic considerations around a potential trade.The Bills' pursuit of star pass rusher Myles Garrett could reshape their defensive plans for the upcoming season.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Bills are exploring the possibility of trading for Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett, according to reports. The Browns have moved the date that Garrett's option bonus is due, which could signal an openness to trading the elite pass rusher.

Why it matters

Acquiring a player of Garrett's caliber would be a major coup for the Bills as they look to bolster their defense and take the next step towards a Super Bowl. However, any potential trade would come at a significant cost in terms of draft capital and salary cap space.

The details

By moving the date that payment of Garrett's option bonus is due until seven days before the regular season begins in September, the Browns have opened the door to potentially trading the star defensive end. This gives the Bills and other teams more flexibility to negotiate a deal for Garrett, who is one of the NFL's premier pass rushers.

  • The NFL's annual league meeting takes place over the next few days in Phoenix.
  • Garrett's option bonus is due seven days before the start of the 2026 regular season in September.

The players

Myles Garrett

A star defensive end for the Cleveland Browns, Garrett is one of the NFL's elite pass rushers and a potential trade target for the Buffalo Bills.

Joe Brady

The head coach of the Buffalo Bills, who will be attending the NFL's annual league meeting in Phoenix.

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What they’re saying

“By moving the date that payment of his option bonus is due until seven days before the regular season begins in September, the Browns absolutely opened the door to potentially trading Garrett.”

— Jay Skurski, Bills reporter

What’s next

The Bills will likely use the upcoming league meetings in Phoenix to further explore a potential trade for Myles Garrett, though any deal would come at a significant cost.

The takeaway

The Bills' exploration of a Myles Garrett trade signals their intent to continue upgrading their defense and make a serious Super Bowl push. However, acquiring an elite talent like Garrett would require the Bills to part with valuable draft capital and salary cap space, making it a high-risk, high-reward proposition.