Myles Garrett, Browns
Getty
Defensive end Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns.
The Cleveland Browns and superstar defensive end Myles Garrett just made a somewhat puzzling alteration to his contract language that opens up trade windows every offseason, which might provide the Chicago Bears with an opportunity to pounce on a deal for the generational pass-rusher.
Jack Duffin, who focuses specifically on the Browns’ salary cap machinations for the Orange and Brown Report, reposted an X link from Over the Cap to an in-depth explanation of Cleveland’s move and concluded in his caption that there is only reason for the team and Garrett to make the changes.
“Garrett wants out, seems like they are going to give it to him later in the offseason,” Duffin wrote. “No real reason to do it otherwise.”
Jack Duffin
@Jason_OTC Garrett wants out, seems like they are going to give it to him later in the offseason
No real reason to do it otherwise
Over the Cap offered a detailed analysis of the news, originally reported by Field Yates of ESPN.
“The Browns and star [edge]-rusher Myles Garrett have agreed to a modified contract where the two sides have agreed to push back the option dates in his contract from late March to early September,” OTC wrote. “This is a pretty bizarre move on Garrett’s end as it defers the payment of salary each year to Garrett and really just opens up a trade window each year, except Garrett has a no-trade provision. It is hard to really tell what the logic is here from either side.”
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GettyCleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett.
Duffin, however, disagreed with the inability to see the logic by noting that Garrett must want out.
That tracks with Garrett’s stated desires last offseason, when the now two-time Defensive Player of the Year requested a trade before an extension offer from the Browns of four years and $160 million silenced those demands.
But if he has returned to them one year later, the Bears have a window to make a move for a pass-rusher who, by literal definition, is the best defensive player in the NFL. Garrett, who will play next season at 31 years old, broke the single-season record with 23 sacks in 2025. He also led the NFL with 33 tackles for loss.
Garrett is a seven-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler who is under contract through 2030 and plays a premium position of significant need in Chicago.
Bears Had Interest in Maxx Crosby Trade, Which May Translate into Interest for Myles Garrett
Maxx Crosby
GettyLas Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby.
Chicago was involved in most discussions surrounding potential Maxx Crosby trades before the Las Vegas Raiders sent him to the Baltimore Ravens for two first-round picks in early March. Of course, the Ravens later rescinded that offer citing a failed physical and the deal fell apart.
After the initial agreement between the Raiders and Ravens, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that the Bears were more spectators in the end. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys offered as much as a first-round pick and second-round pick for Crosby, per Fowler.
Given Garrett’s production comparative to Crosby’s, and factoring in the package of two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark that the Green Bay Packers sent Dallas for Micah Parsons last summer, there is reason to suspect that Garrett could go for as high as three first-round picks if a trade is his endgame and Cleveland agrees to one.
Chicago would be well-bought if they sent the Browns pick Nos. 25 and 57 in Rounds 1 and 2 this season, respectively, plus the Bears’ first-rounder in 2027 in exchange for Garrett. The team would need to clear considerable salary cap space to make it happen, but general manager Ryan Poles and company could find a way to make room for the league’s best defender — and may have the inclination to do so should he, in fact, become available.
Garrett wants to contend, which Chicago did last year after winning the NFC North and a playoff game, and cold weather shouldn’t bother the star defensive end after spending the last nine years in Northeast Ohio.