The buzz around the NFL has been electrified by whispers of potential trades, and the Cleveland Browns find themselves at the center of it all. With a proposed rule change to allow teams to trade draft picks five years into the future, the Browns have restructured Myles Garrett's contract, making his hefty $160 million deal more trade-friendly. This move has naturally led to speculation about whether the Browns might part ways with their star defensive end.
Connor Orr of Sports Illustrated stirred the pot by identifying 12 teams that could be vying for Garrett's talents. Among the potential suitors are the Jaguars, Colts, Rams, Niners, Cowboys, Bears, Eagles, Titans, Patriots, Bills, Giants, and Commanders. Each of these teams has the resources and the need to make a serious play for a two-time Defensive Player of the Year like Garrett.
Orr pointed out that the groundwork for such a blockbuster trade was laid by the unsuccessful Raiders-Ravens deal for Maxx Crosby. That scenario, a twist on the Micah Parsons trade to Green Bay, sets a precedent for what a Garrett trade could look like. With Garrett being a year older than Crosby, the expectation is that he could command two first-round picks and a player in return.
However, the Browns might not be inclined to let go of their defensive cornerstone. This restructuring could simply be a strategic move to ease their salary cap situation without any intention of trading Garrett.
Adding to the intrigue, ESPN's Adam Schefter shared on the Pat McAfee Show that the Browns were firm in their stance against trading Garrett. "I called the Browns," Schefter recounted. "They were adamant, saying, ‘We are 100% definitely not trading Myles Garrett.’"
Yet, in the unpredictable world of the NFL, such assurances are often taken with skepticism. Teams have been known to change course swiftly, and with Garrett's status as one of the league's premier players, franchises would undoubtedly be eager to make a compelling offer if he were to hit the trade market.
For now, the speculation continues, and fans across the league are left to wonder if a seismic shift could be on the horizon.