Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns
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Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns
Almost no sooner than the Cleveland Browns could issue their denials and their attempts to shut down further conversation on the possibility of a Myles Garrett trade than the NFL media, in Cleveland as well as far and wide, seized on the possibility that the All-Pro and single-season record-holder for sacks would, indeed, hit the market.
On Sunday, Browns GM Andrew Berry met with reporters and brushed off the notion that Garrett was on the trade market and could be dealt.
Berry, very flatly, said, “I’d say this: Myles is a career Brown. He is one of the faces of our organization. I think we’ve been very clear both past and present in terms of our feelings on that. I understand all the questions. I’ll be honest, I don’t really want to waste a ton more breath on the topic.”
In the next two days, too, owner Jimmy Haslam and head coach Todd Monken both said there is no plan in place to trade Garrett. And yet, there are signs.
Browns Made Myles Garrett Contract Change Last Month
All of this started because the Browns made a slight change in Garrett’s contract, altering his option and bonus dates in such a way that he would, in fact, become easier to trade from a financial standpoint. Garrett made clear last offseason hew as tired of losing and wanted a chance to go to the Super Bowl, a demand that was quelled by a record four-year, $160 million contract from the Browns.
The fact that the change in Garrett’s contract was leaked to ESPN leaves open that the real motivation here was to signal the NFL that the Browns would very quietly be willing to hear out offers on Garrett.
Browns Open to Offers?
That’s the view from longtime Cleveland sports media figure Tom Withers, hosting on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland this week. He asserts that the move on Garrett, and the fact it went public, was a sort of “Bat signal.”
Said Withers: “This to me, and whether the Browns are doing this intentionally or not, is a signal—it’s the bat signal to the rest of the league that we’re open for business. Come talk to us. The drive-through window is open, make us an offer we can’t refuse. I am not saying they’re shopping him. They’re not.
“But I think they’re making it palatable, if that’s the right word, for teams to inquire, take a look at the menu. Take a look, let’s see what’s on the rack. He has been quiet. He’s been noticeably quiet given the fact that he was adamant about being traded.”
Myles Garrett Trade Value Is High
The Browns’ reality here is stark. They have one of the best defenses in the league, probably the best in the AFC, and Garrett is the anchor. But the rest of the roster is young and full of holes, and the Browns are not going to get that turned around in the short term.
Trading Garrett now, while his value is high, would allow the Browns to collect young assets to fill those holes.
“There is a long way to go here. …” Withers said. “Trade value is high for the guy, and if this team is in the rebuilding mode that it’s in, they’ve got to consider it. I think this is more a signal that they’re willing to talk. And I know the Browns are gonna be effusive in that, ‘We’re not gonna trade our best player’, we still think he has five great years left and we’re gonna build around him.’
“But, clock is ticking.”