Despite a monster five-sack performance by Myles Garrett in Week 8, the Cleveland Browns were blown out 32-13 by the New England Patriots.
More News:Vikings Have Serious ‘Tension' in Locker Room
Garrett has 10 total sacks on the season, but the Browns are 2-6 before getting set to play the New York Jets on Sunday.
The Browns are a young team, and they should consider trading veteran pieces to add more draft capital to help rebuild the roster to compete in the AFC North in the future.
Garrett, who signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension in March, has expressed his frustration with the team’s struggles this season. However, it didn’t seem plausible that Cleveland would consider trading Garrett after making it clear in the spring that they had no intention of doing so.
Per Dan Graziano of ESPN, the Browns could be more open to trading Garrett this fall after the franchise secured $600 million in state funding for their new stadium project.
“If one of the reasons they weren’t trading Garrett in February was because he was the face of their franchise and they didn’t want negative attention at a time when they were asking for public money, that issue is now resolved and shouldn’t stand in the way if they decide this is the right football decision,” Graziano wrote.
“All of this is to say, the idea of the Browns trading Garrett isn’t inconceivable, especially if that’s what he wants.”
Graziano noted that the Browns would take on approximately $41 million dead cap hit for 2026 if they traded Garrett before the deadline on Tuesday. That price is heavy, but Cleveland might consider taking it if they fetch at least two first-round picks for the 29-year-old pass rusher.
The trade isn’t likely to happen, given the steep price a team would have to give up for Garrett, and then the salary needed to pay for the superstar. But Garrett’s name will be someone to keep an eye on for the next week.
A desperate playoff contender might be willing to go all-in for Garrett, and the Browns front office should consider making the move.
For more on the Browns and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.