Myles Garrett: An Elite Defensive Force

Cleveland Browns edge-rusher Myles Garrett has established himself as one of the premier defensive players in the NFL. Having been named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice in the past three years, his prowess on the field is undeniable. In 2025, Garrett broke the league's single-season sack record with an impressive 23 sacks, showcasing his exceptional talent and ability to disrupt offenses.

Comparisons to legends such as Reggie White and Lawrence Taylor are not unwarranted, as Garrett has proven to be a game-wrecker throughout his nine-season career, logging 125.5 sacks, with double-digit sacks in eight of those seasons. However, amidst this success, recent developments suggest that the possibility of a trade, while unlikely, cannot be completely dismissed.

Contract Restructure Sparks Speculation

The Browns recently restructured Garrett's four-year, $160 million contract, which provides greater financial flexibility for the team moving forward. This change has fueled speculation that Garrett could potentially be available via trade. Despite the team maintaining that Garrett is not going anywhere, the newfound financial maneuverability makes his contract more manageable for interested teams.

Although a trade remains improbable, particularly due to the sizeable dead cap hit Cleveland would incur, the possibility has intrigued many teams looking to bolster their pass rush. The opening asking price for Garrett’s services could start around what the Dallas Cowboys received for Micah Parsons: two first-round picks and a veteran starter.

Potential Trade Partners

Chicago Bears

One team that might be interested is the Chicago Bears, who sought after Maxx Crosby before his deal to Baltimore fell through. The Bears were tied for 28th in the NFL in team sacks last season, making pass rush a glaring area of need. With Garrett’s track record, he would be an immediate upgrade, but with the Bears tightly pressed against the salary cap, finding financial flexibility while facilitating a trade could prove challenging.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars have previously demonstrated their willingness to make bold moves, having traded with the Browns last year to draft Travis Hunter. General Manager James Gladstone may consider leveraging their excellent defensive coordinator and a potential haul of picks to acquire Garrett. Pairing him with Josh Hines-Allen would form an imposing duo that could wreak havoc across the AFC.

Los Angeles Rams

Another potential landing spot could be the Los Angeles Rams, known for trading significant assets for established talent. General Manager Les Snead has a history of aggressive moves and could consider parting with multiple first-round picks for a hall-of-fame-caliber player like Garrett, especially if they perceive their Super Bowl window closing.

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers might look to strengthen their pass rush after a lackluster season. With the fewest sacks in the league last season, the 49ers could aggressively pursue Garrett to bolster their defense. However, cap space and the absence of a young, enticing player to exchange might complicate negotiations.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks have emerged as a dark horse in the Garrett trade landscape. If they can manage to negotiate a deal, pairing him with Leonard Williams could transform their defense into one of the most dominant forces in the league. With good cap space, the Seahawks could afford to risk significant draft capital for someone of Garrett's caliber.

New England Patriots

The New England Patriots may also consider getting involved in trade discussions. A move for Garrett would enhance their defensive roster and could extend their Super Bowl window. However, like other potential suitors, they face challenges aligning player assets and potential trade value.

Buffalo Bills

Finally, the Buffalo Bills are poised to make a big splash as they seek to progress beyond just making postseason appearances. Their leadership understands that getting over the playoff hump will require extraordinary talent like Garrett. If they throw enough assets into the mix, they could secure the edge-rusher to complement their current roster and elevate their defensive line.

Conclusion

While Myles Garrett’s trade value is enticing, as is his impact on any given defense, the Browns' steadfast denials of a trade paint a complicated picture. The impending cap implications, draft capital costs, and the need for a suitable exchange partner could keep Garrett in Cleveland for the upcoming season. Nevertheless, NFL teams are always on the lookout for elite talent; if the right offer comes in, we could see one of the biggest trades in league history unfold. With teams across the league considering their Super Bowl windows, Garrett's future remains a highly scrutinized topic as the offseason progresses.