Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett requested a trade at the start of the offseason, making it clear he wanted to be moved to a contender. After weeks of the Browns pushing back against NFL rumors regarding a potential trade, tension between the two sides is increasing.
Garrett indicated late during the 2024 NFL season that he would be contemplating his future in Cleveland after a three-win season. The Browns haven’t won a playoff game since January 2021, prompting Garrett to request a trade to a championship contender.
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However, Browns general manager Andrew Berry quickly shot down that idea and told reporters he wouldn’t move Garrett even if another team offered a pair of first-round picks. Cleveland wants to compete in 2025, which it needs Garrett to do. That’s led to where things stand now.
Myles Garrett contract (Spotrac): $19.722 million cap hit in 2025, $20.374 million cap hit in 2026
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that Garret requested a private meeting with Browns owner Jimmy Haslam to discuss his desire to be traded. Haslam reportedly refused to speak with Garrett, amid mounting tension between both sides.
As the Browns front office maintains its adamant stance that it won’t engage in trade talks, Garrett is threatening to use what little leverage he has. The All-Pro edge rusher is “preparing to miss games” in 2025 if the team won’t move him.
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Myles Garrett stats (ESPN): 28 QB hits, 22 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, 11.5 stuffs, 3 forced fumbles
The Browns front office has the most control over this situation. Garrett is under contract for the next two years and sitting out a season would just defer his deal by another year. While Cleveland has explored a contract extension for Garrett, he’s adamant about being moved and is already using the threat of sitting out regular-season games.
Losing Garrett for any length of time would significantly limit the Browns’ ability to contend for a playoff spot next season. Some around the league also believe a rebuild is needed and trading Garrett for multiple premium picks would accomplish that. With both sides dug in, this saga will likely drag out for months and be one of the biggest stories of the NFL offseason.
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