Myles Garrett of Cleveland Browns
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Myles Garrett of Cleveland Browns
There has been a long checklist of things to do for the Cleveland Browns here in the early stages of the 2026 offseason, and to their credit, they’ve knocked off a few of them–though whether they’ve done so satisfactorily remains to be seen. But the Browns did undergo at coaching change, bringing in Todd Monken to replace Kevin Stefanski, and changed out nearly their entire offensive line, adding three new pieces and likely preparing to draft another (or two). But another item on their checklist was added in recent weeks, entirely of their own making: Figure out the future of Myles Garrett.
Now, the Browns have said publicly that there is no reason to add Garrett to the to-do list, that he is not going anywhere and won’t be traded. That will likely be the team’s stance no matter what–putting out a public call that they’re going to trade Garrett would not do much for his market value.
And what a value that would be. Garrett is arguably the best player in the NFL–not just the best pass-rusher, or the best defensive player, but the best player, period. He is coming off a season in which he set the record for single-season sacks, with 23.0, and is a unicorn in that he is also one of the best run-stopping edges in the NFL.
NFL Exec: Browns ‘Planning’ on Myles Garrett Trade
Around the league, opposing executives are not buying the Browns’ public trade denials. The Browns made an alteration to Garrett’s contract last month, and that alteration has little value other than to make him easier to trade. Given the fact that the Browns have won eight total games in the past two seasons, and that Garrett has repeatedly expressed frustration with losing, plain logic dictates that the Browns would have to weigh a potential deal.
As one exec told The Athletic this week: “The report of the option bonus date moving later for Myles Garrett makes me think Cleveland is planning on trading him.”
Browns Revamped Offensive Line
That would certainly allow the Browns to load up on assets as they seek to rebuild a team that has assembled one of the best defenses in the NFL, while simultaneously constructing the worst-rated offense on Pro Football Focus’s grading curve for two consecutive years.
For now, the Browns can at least point to a rebuilt offensive line as a sign of hope. In assessing the team’s offseason, another opposing executive gave GM Andrew Berry credit for his work there. The line had fallen apart in the last two years.
“They had to do that,” another exec told The Athletic. “Their line was absolutely abysmal, which is crazy. It shows you how quickly it can go on the offensive line. They had (acclaimed line coach Bill) Callahan there two years ago. I give them a lot of credit. Obviously, these guys are not all superstars. But they had to do that.”
Berry’s Strong Myles Garrett Statement
As for Berry’s assertions on the Browns and Garrett, he firmly refused to speculate at last week’s owners meetings in Phoenix.
“So, I think you guys know, as standard practice, I don’t comment on player contracts,” Berry said. “I guess probably the easiest thing to say is if, you know, if we wanted to trade Myles, we wouldn’t have needed to make a contract adjustment, so it doesn’t have anything to do with that. I understand the question and the interest but it’s just something we have always felt, not to comment on player contracts or contract management strategy.
“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.”