Myles Garrett, the standout defensive end for the Cleveland Browns, is at the center of trade rumors following a significant modification to his contract. The change allows the Browns to reduce their potential dead cap hit from $70.3 million to $41.09 million if they decide to trade him before June 1.
Garrett, who won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award after setting a single-season record with 23 sacks, was initially set to receive a $16.5 million option bonus on March 25. However, this payment has now been postponed to seven days before the first regular-season game, along with future option bonuses for 2027 and 2028.
The Browns have also proposed a rule change that would allow trading draft picks up to five years into the future, potentially making a trade for Garrett more appealing to other teams. Among the teams reportedly interested in acquiring Garrett are the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and Buffalo Bills.
Notably, the Cowboys have made a trade offer that includes a first-round pick in 2026 and a second-round pick in 2027. However, Garrett holds a no-trade clause in his contract, meaning he would need to approve any potential trade.
Despite previously requesting a trade out of Cleveland, Garrett opted to stay with the team after signing a massive four-year, $160 million extension. The Browns currently have $9 million in effective cap space left after the contract modification, which could influence their decision-making process.
As the NFL season approaches, observers are keenly watching how the situation unfolds. The implications of the contract modification on Garrett’s future with the Browns remain unclear, and whether the team will actually proceed with a trade is still uncertain. Details remain unconfirmed.