Browns Restructure Myles Garrett's Contract, Fueling Trade Rumors

NFL insider believes a blockbuster Garrett trade is not out of the question despite Browns' denials.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:40am

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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 planes in shades of brown, grey, and navy blue, conveying the raw power and dynamism of the sport.The Browns' contract restructuring of star defensive end Myles Garrett has sparked speculation about a potential blockbuster trade, despite the team's denials.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Browns have restructured the contract of star defensive end Myles Garrett, a move that has sparked speculation around the league that the team could be open to trading the perennial Pro Bowler. While the Browns have publicly stated they have no plans to move Garrett, the contract restructuring has raised eyebrows and left many around the NFL wondering if a major shakeup could be in the works.

Why it matters

Garrett is the heart and soul of the Browns' defense, and losing him would be a massive blow to the team's chances of contending. However, the Browns are facing a tight salary cap situation and may need to make tough decisions to reshape their roster. A Garrett trade could bring back a significant haul of draft capital, which could help the team rebuild through the draft.

The details

The Browns converted a significant portion of Garrett's base salary into a signing bonus, a common tactic used to create short-term cap space. While the team has insisted Garrett is not on the trade block, the move has fueled speculation that they could be preparing to move the star pass rusher. Garrett is coming off a dominant 2025 season in which he recorded 23 sacks and established himself as one of the league's premier defensive players.

  • The Browns restructured Garrett's contract in April 2026.

The players

Myles Garrett

A star defensive end for the Cleveland Browns who has been named to multiple Pro Bowls and is considered one of the best pass rushers in the NFL.

Cleveland Browns

The NFL franchise based in Cleveland, Ohio that plays in the AFC North division.

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What they’re saying

“The #Browns are adamant they aren't moving Myles Garrett—and that's fine. But the actions from both sides, from Cleveland to Garrett, have plenty around the NFL wondering.”

— Ari Meirov, NFL Insider

What’s next

The Browns will need to decide in the coming weeks and months whether they are committed to building around Garrett or if they will explore trade options that could net them a significant haul of draft capital to aid in a potential roster rebuild.

The takeaway

The Browns' decision to restructure Garrett's contract has opened the door for speculation about a potential blockbuster trade, despite the team's public stance that he is not available. This move highlights the difficult salary cap decisions teams must make and the delicate balance between short-term competitiveness and long-term roster building.