The star pass rusher has a history of drama in Cleveland, including a trade request on February 3, 2025. He also delivered one of the best individual seasons in Browns history with a record-setting sack total (23 in the 2025 season) and has just one playoff victory across nine seasons with the team, heightening the intensity of any potential departure talk.
In Chicago, the Bears have been part of the conversation as a potential destination. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported a trade-pitch scenario where Chicago would send Garrett to Cleveland in exchange for future draft capital: a 2026 first-round pick (No. 25), a 2026 second-round pick (No. 57), and a 2027 fifth-round pick. The package could represent a bold, win-now gamble for a franchise aiming to capitalize on a Super Bowl window.
The Bears’ interest in Garrett isn’t new. ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted that Chicago previously inquired about Garrett at the trade deadline, though he wasn’t available at that time. Still, the dynamic remains: if Garrett pushes for a move, Chicago’s level of interest could escalate, depending on other factors.
One practical obstacle for a potential Garrett deal is Chicago’s cap situation. OverTheCap.com shows the Bears entering late January with negative cap space (about $17.6 million), a significant constraint that could influence whether they can absorb Garrett’s contract and complete a deal without creating additional financial pressure.
As the situation unfolds, the Browns’ stance remains central. Cleveland reportedly valued Garrett highly after his historic production, making a deal at the right price a delicate balance between adding future assets and keeping a cornerstone player. With rumors tied to the Bears’ quarterback plans and a shifting coaching staff, the path to a resolution could hinge on Garrett’s willingness to stay or pursue a trade in the coming weeks.
