Garrett contract tweak may hint at Browns trade 💼🏈

Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett and the team recently revised contract language to push back option bonuses due from Garrett from March to just before the regular season, a move that could facilitate a potential trade ahead of the 2026 season. The change follows Garrett’s four-year, $160 million extension signed last year after he publicly requested a trade, a decision that came with Garrett setting an NFL single-season sack record of 23 while the Browns finished 5-12.

Garrett has 125.5 career sacks, the most in Browns history, and is a two-time AP Defensive Player of the Year and five-time first-team All-Pro. ESPN’s Evan Cohen suggested the contract tweak could enable a trade, arguing Garrett should not play another game for Cleveland and naming several possible suitors, including the Bills, Chiefs, Patriots, Bears, Cowboys, and Texans. Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com questioned the move, noting it doesn’t create cap space unless the Browns alter option amounts, but it could provide maximum flexibility if Garrett waives his no-trade clause.

The development comes amid ongoing speculation about Garrett’s future with Cleveland, particularly given his past trade request and the team’s willingness to explore options that could yield cap relief or draft capital. Garrett remains a central figure in discussions about the Browns’ defensive future and potential rebuilding paths.