Browns Reportedly Open to Trading Star DE Myles Garrett

Garrett's contract restructuring raises questions about his future in Cleveland

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:33pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in the act of rushing the passer, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of orange, navy, and white, conceptually representing the complex contract negotiations and trade speculation surrounding the player.The Browns' contract restructuring with star pass rusher Myles Garrett raises questions about his long-term future in Cleveland.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Browns have reportedly modified Myles Garrett's contract in a way that could make it easier for them to trade the star defensive end this offseason. Garrett, who requested a trade last year, is set to give up $1 million by skipping at least some portions of the voluntary offseason program. Browns reporters suggest this move gives the team more flexibility to potentially deal Garrett to a Super Bowl contender, though it's unclear if any team will meet Cleveland's reported asking price of multiple first-round picks.

Why it matters

Garrett is one of the NFL's premier pass rushers, so his potential departure would be a major blow to the Browns' defense. However, the team may feel it needs to move on from Garrett if he is no longer committed to the organization. This situation bears watching as the offseason progresses.

The details

The Browns restructured Garrett's four-year, $160 million contract to change when his option bonuses will be paid out. This gives the team more flexibility to potentially trade him, as Garrett agreed to delay $1 million in payments. Browns reporters suggest this move was made to keep the door open for a trade, with one noting 'it's pretty obvious that the payment delay keeps the door open' for a deal.

  • In March 2026, the Browns restructured Garrett's contract to change when his option bonuses will be paid out.
  • Last offseason, Garrett publicly requested a trade, saying he wanted to play for a 'Super Bowl contender'.

The players

Myles Garrett

A star defensive end for the Cleveland Browns who requested a trade last offseason, wanting to play for a 'Super Bowl contender'.

Cleveland Browns

The NFL team that employs Myles Garrett and has reportedly restructured his contract in a way that could make it easier to trade him.

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What they’re saying

“That late-March contract modification happened for a reason, and we know Garrett has a lot of influence in the organization.”

— Zac Jackson, Browns reporter

“One question no one has really answered. Why did Myles agree to this? Most guys like their money sooner rather than later, which is why players love the Browns' strategy of turning base salary into signing bonuses. It's essentially a fat check up front. I don't think Myles is living paycheck to paycheck, but what's in it for him to delay payment from March until September?”

— Jason Lloyd, Browns reporter

“It's pretty obvious that the payment delay keeps the door open. Perhaps both sides agreed that going public last time didn't benefit anyone. Maybe some all-in team told the Browns that a true Godfather offer was in the works. Maybe — I guess — the Browns just really don't know how the next two to five months will go and wanted to keep all options open, and Garrett was willing to communicate and cooperate just in case.”

— Zac Jackson, Browns reporter

What’s next

The Browns will likely wait until after June 1 to make any decision on Garrett's future, as a trade at that point would involve Cleveland receiving 'multiple' first-round draft picks according to a local reporter.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the complex dynamics between star players, their contracts, and the teams that employ them. The Browns' willingness to restructure Garrett's deal suggests they are at least open to the possibility of trading him, despite his immense talent. However, it remains to be seen if any team will meet Cleveland's reported high asking price.