Browns Reportedly Considering Trading Star Defender Myles Garrett

Potential blockbuster deal could send the All-Pro pass rusher to Cowboys, Bears, Eagles or Rams

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:51pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in mid-sack motion, with their body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in earthy tones, conceptually representing the potential trade of a dominant defensive player.A potential trade of star pass rusher Myles Garrett could reshape the NFL's competitive balance.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Browns have reportedly restructured the contract of star defensive end Myles Garrett, leading to speculation that the team may be open to trading the future Hall of Famer. An anonymous NFL executive told The Athletic's Mike Sando that the contract modification suggests the Browns are 'planning on trading him', with the Cowboys, Bears, Eagles, and Rams mentioned as potential landing spots for the elite pass rusher.

Why it matters

Garrett is one of the NFL's premier defensive players, so his potential availability on the trade market would be a major story. A trade of this magnitude could significantly impact the competitive balance of the league, as the team that acquires Garrett would instantly improve their defense and Super Bowl chances.

The details

The Browns restructured Garrett's contract on March 25, moving the date of his option bonus to a later point in the offseason. This type of contract modification is often a precursor to a trade, as it provides the team with more flexibility to execute a deal. While the Browns have not confirmed their intentions, the anonymous NFL executive believes this move signals that Cleveland is open to moving Garrett to the right offer.

  • The Browns restructured Myles Garrett's contract on March 25, 2026.

The players

Myles Garrett

A star defensive end for the Cleveland Browns and a future Hall of Famer.

Cleveland Browns

The NFL team that currently employs Myles Garrett.

Mike Sando

A reporter for The Athletic who reported on the potential Myles Garrett trade.

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What they’re saying

“The report of the option bonus date moving later for Myles Garrett makes me think Cleveland is planning on trading him.”

— Anonymous NFL Executive

What’s next

The Browns will likely field trade offers for Garrett in the coming weeks, with the Cowboys, Bears, Eagles, and Rams mentioned as potential suitors. The team that acquires Garrett will need to work out a long-term contract extension to keep the star pass rusher.

The takeaway

The potential trade of Myles Garrett, one of the NFL's elite defensive players, would be a blockbuster move that could significantly impact the competitive landscape of the league. While the Browns have not confirmed their intentions, the contract restructuring suggests they may be open to dealing their superstar for the right price.