Myles Garrett
Getty
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett argued the Pittsburgh Steelers were more concerned with the sack record than winning in Week 17.
The Cleveland Browns and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett are currently the subjects of whirlwind trade rumors following a recent change to his contract, but if the team does deal the superstar pass-rusher, one longtime insider sees it happening for exactly one player approximately one year from now.
Tony Grossi spoke with ESPN Cleveland on Friday, March 27 and identified Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning as the target he predicts the Browns will employ a Garrett trade to acquire — if such a deal involving the defensive end comes to pass at any point in the next 12-13 months.
“If you’re [Browns owner Jimmy] Haslam, you have your eye on Arch Manning, no doubt,” Grossi said.
He added that he doesn’t believe it is “Arch Manning or bust” in Cleveland next year, as the New York Jets have three first-round picks next spring already and are likely to finish with a worse record than the Browns and probably somewhere in the top three of the 2027 draft order.
Beyond that, Grossi described next year’s class of rookie QBs as “the real deal quarterback draft of the last decade.” In other words, Cleveland may not break the bank for Manning if it is picking high enough and/or has the assets to land an exceptional/potential franchise quarterback a few picks later.
All of that said, holding onto Garrett and utilizing him in a trade that brings back multiple quality draft assets, possibly including more than one first-round pick, would be a way for the Browns to even the score with New York. At that point, if there is a team above the Jets in the draft order willing to do business, the Browns might have a path to Manning.
Browns Claim no Interest in Trading Myles Garrett, but Massive Return Undeniable
Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns
GettyDefensive end Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns.
In the two days since Field Yates of ESPN reported the change in contract language between Garrett and the Browns, which essentially simplifies trading him in the offseason during each of the next several years (his contract runs through 2030), Cleveland brass has been adamant that they aren’t interested in moving Garrett.
However, the Browns’ stated position on the future of the seven-time All-Pro and surefire future Hall of Famer has not convinced many NFL reporters and analysts, who have noted how much interest Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby garnered upon his entrance to the trade block earlier this offseason.
Granted, the Baltimore Ravens rescinded the offer they made to the Raiders following the now-disputed results of a physical on Crosby’s surgically-repaired knee, but Baltimore did put up two first-round picks to land the five-time Pro Bowler. And if Crosby is worth two first-rounders, it is hard to imagine that Cleveland couldn’t get three firsts in exchange for Garrett.
Browns Should Consider Trading Myles Garrett Now, Even if Endgame Is QB Arch Manning
arch manning
GettyTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning.
That potentially argues for the Browns making a move with Garrett now when coupled with the team’s known interest in Manning.
First of all, having Garrett on the roster is inarguably going to make the Browns better. If they want to hop over the Jets in the draft standings, sending Garrett elsewhere would help.
However, the Browns may only wish to improve on their 5-12 record during the upcoming season, with general manager Andrew Berry potentially on the hot seat if things go bad in 2026 and a new head coach in Todd Monken looking to make his mark on the NFL.
Even still, if Cleveland flipped Garrett for three first-rounders, or the draft capital equivalent of that, and backloaded the majority of its own payoff to 2027, that would allow some team to add the best defensive player in football next season without forfeiting its entire 2026 draft to do so.
The ability of the Browns to kick the can on Garrett’s trade return down the road a bit might bring even more viable suitors into the mix for the defensive end and up his value, which should be at an all-time high already after winning the second DPOY of his career and breaking the league’s single-season record with 23 sacks last year.
If Garrett’s play takes a step back next season, which is likely given his historic campaign in 2025 and the fact that he turns 31 years old in December, the Browns probably won’t be able to get as much in a deal for the superstar DE one year from now — even if he is still great next season.