Browns Adjust Myles Garrett's Contract, Deny Trade Talks

The move provides Cleveland more cap flexibility while maintaining commitment to star pass rusher.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:18pm

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The Cleveland Browns have modified the language in defensive end Myles Garrett's contract, pushing back the date for exercising option bonuses and converting $8 million of his base salary into roster bonuses. While the team insists this is not a precursor to a trade, the adjustment signals a growing trend in the NFL of structuring contracts to provide more financial flexibility for both franchises and players.

Why it matters

The Garrett contract modification reflects a broader shift in the NFL towards more creative contract structures that allow teams to retain top talent while managing salary cap constraints. This trend of increased flexibility, including the use of roster bonuses and voidable years, is becoming more common as teams look to balance competitive rosters with strict financial limitations.

The details

The key changes to Garrett's deal involve pushing back the date for exercising option bonuses from March 25th to seven days before the regular season, as well as converting $8 million of his base salary in 2029 and 2030 into roster bonuses. This provides the Browns with more cap flexibility, while also offering Garrett benefits around the timing of option bonus payments.

  • The contract modification was recently reported by ESPN's Field Yates.
  • The new contract language extends the deadline for exercising Garrett's option bonuses from March 25th to seven days before the regular season.

The players

Myles Garrett

A two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2023 and 2024) and star pass rusher for the Cleveland Browns.

Andrew Berry

The general manager of the Cleveland Browns, who denied that the contract adjustment was related to potential trade discussions.

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What they’re saying

“If we wanted to trade Myles, we wouldn't have needed to make a contract adjustment.”

— Andrew Berry, Cleveland Browns General Manager

“Myles Garrett is a career Brown and one of the faces of our organization.”

— Andrew Berry, Cleveland Browns General Manager

What’s next

The contract modification could make a potential trade of Myles Garrett after June 1st more manageable for the Browns, as it would allow them to spread the dead cap hit over two seasons.

The takeaway

The Garrett contract adjustment is part of a broader trend in the NFL of teams using more creative contract structures to retain star players while maintaining financial flexibility. This approach, which includes tools like roster bonuses and voidable years, is becoming increasingly common as franchises navigate the challenges of the salary cap.