**Myles Garrett**‘s trade request came about in the wake of discussions over the Browns’ future. A renewed attempt to speak about the situation has led to the All-Pro meeting a roadblock.
Garrett recently requested to meet in person with Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, who declined to do so, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. Haslam instead deferred to general manager Andrew Berry, with whom Garrett has spoken on several occasions. To no surprise, Pelissero’s report confirms both parties remain firm in their respective stances.
Garrett remains intent on engineering a change of scenery, as he is not interested in signing a Browns extension (something the team is prepared to authorize). Cleveland’s perspective, meanwhile, has not changed in the time since Garrett went public with his desire to be moved. Haslam, Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski have remained consistent in their bid to present a united front in not giving thought to a trade. That is clearly still the case given Haslam’s decision, although Pelissero notes Garrett is – at this point, at least – willing to miss games if it helps bring about a swap.
The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year played through a number of ailments this past season, appearing in all 17 games and recording 14 sacks. Garrett has earned a first-team All-Pro nod in four of the past five seasons, securing second-team honors in 2022. His decorated career has included a total of only three playoff games across two different years, however, and a path to immediate contention does not appear to be in place. Questions at the quarterback position in particular linger for the Browns.
As expected, the team has worked out another restructure of **Deshaun Watson**‘s contract. The controversial trade which brought him to Cleveland has not panned out, and the fully guaranteed nature of his pact has created financial issues for the Browns. A low-cost veteran addition could be in store soon as a result, and the No. 2 pick in April’s draft could bring about a new franchise signal-caller. In spite of the opportunities at the position, Garrett is eyeing a fresh start as prepares for his age-30 season.
Teams are reportedly prepared to offer packages including at least one first-round pick, and the Lions have been interested dating back to the 2024 trade deadline. In the event the Browns do begin contemplating a deal, the Eagles will be a team to watch closely. Cleveland did not speak with Garrett or his camp during the Combine, so it remains to be seen when any movement in this situation will take place. Given this latest development, both parties could continue waiting for a lengthy period as the EDGE market takes shape around them.