The Real Deal on the Browns and Myles Garrett
There's a buzz in NFL circles that's hard to ignore-this idea that if a team doesn’t have a top-10 quarterback, they're somehow irrelevant. It's as if we're all living in a Madden video game world where only the elite QBs matter. But let's take a step back and look at the bigger picture.
Myles Garrett and the Trade Talk
Recently, Albert Breer stirred the pot by agreeing with Conor Orr's suggestion that the Browns should trade their star defensive end, Myles Garrett. The reasoning?
The Browns' timeline supposedly doesn't match Garrett's prime years. The thought is that if the Browns don't have their quarterback of the future on the roster, they might as well start planning for 2027.
But hold on-let's not forget how quickly things can change in the NFL. Just look at the Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots.
Both teams flipped the script from 4-13 records in 2024 to top seeds in 2025. And they weren't alone.
The Chicago Bears pulled off a similar feat, climbing from a 5-12 record to winning the NFC North. The NFL is unpredictable, and that's what makes it exciting.
Deshaun Watson's Contract: A Manageable Hurdle
Another point fueling the trade talk is the Browns' salary cap situation, particularly with Deshaun Watson's hefty contract. Breer highlighted the nearly $90 million in dead money looming over the Browns.
But here's the scoop: that figure is more manageable than it seems. The Browns are likely to spread the cap hit over two years, similar to how the Denver Broncos handled Russell Wilson's contract.
Despite taking an $85 million cap hit, the Broncos still made the playoffs in 2024 and were the AFC's top seed in 2025.
Myles Garrett: Still in His Prime
Projecting a decline for Myles Garrett based on age alone is risky business. Sure, Father Time catches up with everyone, but Garrett isn't your average player.
He's a unique talent, much like Tom Brady was in his prime. If teams are willing to trade multiple first-round picks for him, it shows they believe he's got plenty left in the tank.
Look at how the Steelers and Ravens have handled their star defenders. T.J.
Watt and Trey Hendrickson both received lucrative contracts in their 30s, and no one batted an eye. Garrett is in the same league, if not better.
The Browns' Path Forward
Trading Myles Garrett doesn't align with the Browns' goal of building a championship contender. Garrett is a cornerstone of their defense and a key piece in any potential turnaround. Whether the Browns find their quarterback of the future in the draft or surprise everyone in 2026, Garrett's presence only strengthens their chances.
In the unpredictable world of the NFL, anything can happen. The Browns could very well be the next team to make a stunning comeback or draft a rookie quarterback who takes the league by storm.
With Garrett on their side, they're better positioned to seize those opportunities. Trading him away would be like giving up on a winning lottery ticket before the numbers are drawn.