Browns, Myles Garrett Agree On Record Contract Extension
The Cleveland Browns and All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett reached an agreement on Sunday on a record contract extension that averages $40 million per year and includes $123.5 million guaranteed money, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. The new deal makes Garrett the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. After requesting a trade the week before the Super Bowl in early February, Garrett quickly changed his tune when the Browns offered him a four-year extension with $204,796,125 in total value. He will make $100 million in cash in the first three years of the new deal, and it also comes with $88,800,000 in execution guarantees. The former first-rounder definitely has earned the distinction of being the highest-paid non-QB (for the time being) after putting up at least 14 sacks in each of the last four years. Garrett remains an elite, high-end D-lineman in IDP fantasy leagues.
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is prepared to miss games if he's not traded this offseason. Garrett has expressed his desire to be moved, but met with resistance from ownership. The superstar pass rusher reportedly asked for a meeting with owner Jimmy Haslam, but Haslam declined to speak with Garrett. At this point, a split between the two sides seems like the most likely outcome. Garrett wants to play for a contender and a new hefty contract extension probably won't be enough for Garrett to want to stay in Cleveland. However, the Browns are reluctant to trade Garrett, so this situation might play out for some time.
Browns Continue To Insist They Won't Trade Myles Garrett
Both ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler write that the Cleveland Browns continue to insist they aren't open to trading All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett under any circumstances. And even if the Browns were open to trading him, they'd likely wait until after June 1, as a trade would jump Garrett's 2025 salary cap number from $19.7 million to a dead-money hit of $36.2 million. Waiting until after June 1 would allow Cleveland to spread that charge out over two seasons. It's looking like the Browns won't seriously entertain trading the 29-year-old until they're convinced he'd be willing to miss regular-season games in 2025. Fowler writes that he thinks the Browns are very dug in and willing to wait Garrett out. If the Browns get serious about trading him, the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles are expected to be two of the most aggressive suitors.
The Philadelphia Eagles' interest in trading for Cleveland Browns All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett is real, sources have told The Athletic's Dianna Russini. "Garrett could be this year's version of Saquon Barkley for Howie (Roseman)," one NFL general manager said. "He's an impact add and isn't a free-agent overpay. Howie's not afraid to try stuff, and it fits where they are as a team." The only way to make it work for Philadelphia would be if they were to let key members of their Super Bowl-winning group walk, including linebacker Zack Baun. In addition to Baun, edge rusher Josh Sweat, defensive tackle Milton Williams and guard Mekhi Becton headline the Eagles' free-agent class, and bringing them all back would prove difficult if they added Garrett, who could easily become the highest-paid defensive player in the league on his next contract.
According to a league source, Cleveland Browns four-time All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett is "not open to" a contract extension with the team. Garrett has made it clear that he has no intention of sticking around in Cleveland after formally requesting a trade in the week leading up to Super Bowl LIX in early February. Competing for a Super Bowl ring, which he doesn't think will happen in Cleveland at this point, is much more important to any amount of money for Garrett. However, the Browns continue to hold firm on their stance that they will not trade Garrett. The way things are going, this situation could get messy this offseason. But ultimately, the 29-year-old could force the Browns' hand. The six-time Pro Bowler has at least 14 sacks in each of the last four seasons and could bring two first-round picks to Cleveland in return if they ultimately give in and trade him. Regardless of where he's playing in 2025, he'll be a high-end IDP defensive lineman.
Browns Still Not Interested In Moving Myles Garrett
In a media availability at the 2025 NFL Combine, Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said the team has not changed its stance on not wanting to trade defensive end Myles Garrett. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft requested a trade this offseason, citing wanting to compete for a Super Bowl as the primary reason for his request. Garrett has earned six Pro Bowl nods, six All-Pro selections, and an NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award through the first eight seasons of his career behind 352 total tackles, 102.5 sacks, and 20 forced fumbles. However, the Browns have participated in just three playoff games with one win during his tenure in Cleveland. The organization continues to hold firm on its stance and is aiming to reach an agreement with Garrett sometime before the 2025 regular season.
Browns Will Have To Wait Until After June 1 To Trade Myles Garrett
If the Cleveland Browns soften their stance and decide to trade All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett this offseason, they would have to wait until after June 1 to make it work from a salary cap perspective. Trading Garrett before June 1 would result in a dead-money hit of more than $36 million, which is way higher than the roughly $19.7 million that he'd count against the 2025 cap if he was on their roster. The problem with having to wait to trade Garrett until after June 1 is that the Browns couldn't get draft picks for this year in return for him. It's probably why the Browns held firm on their stance of not wanting to trade Garrett, even after he publicly requested a trade in the week before the Super Bowl in early February. If the Browns look to trade the disgruntled star pass-rusher after June 1, it's possible they could receive two first-round selections for the 2026 draft.
The Athletic's Zac Jackson writes that all indications are that the Cleveland Browns are going to continue to hold All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett and try to present him with a monstrous new contract to try and keep him in Cleveland despite publicly asking for a trade the week before the Super Bowl. The problem is that Garrett apparently has no interest in staying with the Browns and values winning and competing for a Super Bowl championship over money at this point in his career. It's unlikely that Cleveland can lure in an available veteran quarterback this offseason to convince Garrett to stay, either. The 29-year-old six-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro has at least 14 sacks in each of the last four seasons and could fetch the Browns multiple first-round picks if they eventually give in and shop him. Regardless of where he's playing in 2025, he should be a top defensive line pick in IDP drafts.
The Athletic's Jon Machota doesn't think it's realistic to expect the Dallas Cowboys to try to trade for disgruntled Cleveland Browns All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett this offseason, mainly because nothing Dallas has done over the last decade would suggest a blockbuster trade is on the horizon. Machota doesn't see the Cowboys parting ways with pass-rusher Micah Parsons and doesn't think owner Jerry Jones would be willing to give up the draft picks it would cost to acquire Garrett, potentially two first-rounders. Additionally, the Cowboys would have to pony up on a massive contract extension if they were even willing to trade for Garrett. The team's top priority this offseason will be getting Parsons signed to a long-term extension, and the Cowboys have shown recently with star players like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb that they tend to take their time getting stuff done.
Myles Garrett Requests Trade, Browns Sticking To Their Stance
Cleveland Browns All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett has officially requested a trade. However, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that the Browns "are sticking to their stance and do not intend to have any conversations or trade Garrett." During last year's trading deadline, teams were interested in acquiring Garrett, but the Browns were adamant that Garrett was not available. With Garrett wanting to be traded now and the Browns sticking to their stance, things could get ugly going forward and Garrett could hold out of the entire offseason with Cleveland. The 29-year-old was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 and has had at least 14 sacks in each of the last four seasons. Garrett is a six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro with 102.5 sacks in eight years in Cleveland. If the Browns give in and trade him, they'll likely be seeking two first-round picks for Garrett.
Myles Garrett
• DE
•
Browns
