Browns Weigh Trading Star EDGE Myles Garrett

Veteran pass rusher could fetch high draft capital in a deal, but Cleveland faces tough decision.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:20am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the explosive motion and power of a football player making a tackle, with the player's form broken down into overlapping planes of orange, brown, and black.A cubist interpretation of a Browns defensive star's relentless pursuit of the quarterback.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Browns are reportedly considering trading star defensive end Myles Garrett, who has been one of the NFL's most dominant pass rushers over the past several seasons. The potential move comes as the Browns look to reshape their roster after a disappointing 2025 campaign and the fallout from the Deshaun Watson trade saga.

Why it matters

Garrett is a perennial Pro Bowler and one of the league's premier defensive players, so moving him would be a major shakeup for the Browns. However, Cleveland may view this as an opportunity to capitalize on Garrett's high trade value and acquire valuable draft capital to help rebuild the roster around a new long-term vision.

The details

Garrett, 28, has been a cornerstone of the Browns' defense since being selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He has recorded 74.5 sacks over his first six seasons, including a career-high 16 sacks in 2024. While Garrett is under contract through 2027, the Browns could potentially net a massive haul of draft picks by trading the star pass rusher to a contender in need of an elite defensive playmaker.

  • Garrett has been a Pro Bowler in 4 of his 6 NFL seasons.

The players

Myles Garrett

A 28-year-old defensive end who has been one of the NFL's most dominant pass rushers since being drafted 1st overall by the Browns in 2017.

Deshaun Watson

The Browns' controversial starting quarterback whose off-field issues have created significant turmoil for the franchise.

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What’s next

The Browns will have to weigh the potential short-term and long-term impacts of trading Garrett, who is under contract for several more seasons but could fetch a massive return in a deal.

The takeaway

Garrett's status as one of the NFL's premier defensive players makes him an extremely valuable trade asset, but moving on from the star pass rusher would be a major risk for the Browns as they try to rebuild and return to contention.