The Cleveland Browns find themselves in a familiar predicament with star defensive end Myles Garrett. As he approaches his 31st birthday, Garrett's future with the team is once again in question, mirroring the situation that unfolded with Hall of Fame tackle Joe Thomas a few years ago. Thomas, who played his entire career with the Browns, endured a string of losing seasons and was even discussed in trade rumors during his early 30s. Garrett, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, finds himself in a similar situation, trapped on a struggling team despite his exceptional performance.
Garrett's desire for a trade became public during the 2025 offseason, but the Browns, led by General Manager Andrew Berry, stood firm against the idea. This decision came after they signed Garrett to a then-defender-record four-year, $160MM extension. The team's commitment to keeping Garrett, despite his trade request, has led to speculation and rumors. As the market for edge rushers has climbed to $50MM per year, Garrett's contract has been surpassed by several players, including T.J. Watt, Micah Parsons, and Will Anderson Jr.
The Browns' decision to rework Garrett's contract, shifting his option bonus dates, has further fueled trade discussions. With a $29.2MM guaranteed payment due just before the regular season, the team's cap situation and the potential for a trade after June 1st are significant factors. Some NFL executives interpret Garrett's absence from OTAs as a sign of regret for signing an extension with the struggling team, although it's worth noting that he has missed OTAs in the past as well.
Garrett's frustration with the team's losing record is well-documented. He has expressed a desire to contend rather than rebuild, and this stance is understandable given his age. The Browns' decision to pass on adding a quarterback this offseason, with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders in the mix, further highlights the team's lack of immediate contention. Trade rumors persist, with the Browns potentially needing more draft ammo to pursue a long-term QB option.
From a value standpoint, the Browns may have erred by not trading Thomas late in his career. However, trading Garrett could create a significant hole for the team. The Browns would likely ask for at least two first-round picks in a trade, similar to what the Ravens received for Maxx Crosby. The timing of a potential trade is crucial, as it would impact the team's cap space and dead money situation.
The Browns face a challenging decision regarding Garrett's future. With his contract running through 2030 and the potential for a raise in the near future, the team must balance the immediate need for draft assets with the long-term implications of a trade. The recent contract rework and the rising market for edge rushers make the situation even more complex. As the trade deadline approaches, the Browns must decide whether to cash in on their top asset or continue building for the future.
