Myles Garrett’s future with the Cleveland Browns is increasingly uncertain as the team has modified his contract, pushing some payments into the future. This change significantly reduces the dead cap hit from $70.3 million to $41.09 million if the Browns decide to trade him before June 1.
Garrett, who won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year after an impressive season where he set a record with 23 sacks, was initially set to receive a $16.5 million option bonus on March 25. However, this payment has now been postponed to just seven days before the first regular-season game.
The Browns’ decision to adjust Garrett’s contract appears to be a strategic move, possibly to facilitate a trade. Potential suitors include the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and Buffalo Bills. The Cowboys have reportedly made an offer that includes a 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick.
Garrett’s contract also includes a no-trade clause, meaning he would need to approve any potential trade, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. Observers note that the Rams are also a viable landing spot for Garrett, given their current Super Bowl window.
Despite Garrett’s previous request for a trade out of Cleveland, he opted to stay after signing a massive four-year, $160 million extension. This contract modification raises questions about his long-term commitment to the team.
Furthermore, the Browns have proposed a rule change that would allow trading draft picks up to five years into the future, which could make any potential trade involving Garrett more appealing for interested teams.
Currently, the Browns have $9 million in effective cap space left after the contract modification. Garrett’s option bonuses for the 2027 and 2028 seasons have also been pushed to seven days before the start of those seasons, indicating a shift in the team’s financial strategy.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact implications of the contract modification on Garrett’s future with the Browns, and whether the team will actually trade him remains uncertain.
