The Cleveland Browns have modified Myles Garrett’s contract, pushing some payments into the future, which has intensified trade rumors surrounding the star defensive end.
Garrett, who won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award after setting a single-season record with 23 sacks, was initially set to receive a $16.5 million option bonus on March 25. This payment has now been postponed to seven days before the first regular-season game.
Before the contract modification, the Browns would have incurred a $70.3 million dead cap hit if they traded Garrett before June 1. However, with the new contract language, that figure has been reduced to $41.09 million.
Potential landing spots for Garrett include the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and Buffalo Bills. The Cowboys reportedly offered a trade package that included a 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick.
Despite the trade discussions, Garrett has a no-trade clause in his contract, meaning he would need to approve any potential trade. Observers note that the Browns currently have $9 million in effective cap space left after the contract modification.
Garrett had previously requested a trade out of Cleveland but opted to stay after signing a massive four-year, $160 million extension. The Browns have also proposed a rule change to allow trading draft picks up to five years into the future, which could influence future negotiations.
As the situation develops, Garrett’s option bonuses for 2027 and 2028 have also been pushed to seven days before the start of those seasons, adding another layer to the ongoing discussions.
The Rams are also considered a potential landing spot for Garrett due to their Super Bowl window. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact implications of the contract modification on Garrett’s future with the Browns and whether the team will ultimately trade him.
