The Cleveland Browns haven’t indicated they’re looking to trade Myles Garrett, but they did make a subtle move this week that could spark serious speculation.
The Browns modified language in Garrett’s contract to push some of his payments into the future, per ESPN. Garrett was set to receive an option bonus on the 15th day of the league year (March 25), but both sides agreed to push that date to seven days before the first regular-season game. The move means the Browns won’t have to pay that money until September — and wouldn’t have to pay it at all if Garrett isn’t on the roster. (Garrett also has option bonuses in 2027 and 2028 that have been pushed to seven days before the start of those seasons.)
Why the modified contract could lead to a trade
Last year, Garrett requested a trade out of Cleveland but stayed after signing a massive four-year, $160 million extension. With the new language added this week, the Browns have opened the door to potentially trading him this offseason.
In the first season of his new deal, Garrett won NFL Defensive Player of the Year after setting an NFL single-season record with 23 sacks, so his trade value has never been higher.
From a salary cap standpoint, here’s why the deal would now be easier (via Over The Cap):
Before the contract change, the Browns would have taken a $70.3 million dead cap hit if they traded Garrett before June 1. After June 1, that hit could be spread over two seasons — $21.4 million in 2026 and about $48.7 million in 2027 — but a pre-draft trade would still have carried the full $70.3 million charge, making a deal difficult.With the new language, the Browns would take a $41.09 million dead cap hit if they traded Garrett before June 1. After June 1, the hit would be $15.53 million in 2026 and about $25.56 million in 2027. Those are far more manageable figures, which is why a trade shouldn’t be ruled out.
Before the change,…
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