The Cleveland Browns have made an intriguing adjustment to Myles Garrett’s contract, and while it might seem like just another day in the NFL, there's more beneath the surface. Instead of focusing on typical salary cap chatter, fans are buzzing about what this means for Garrett, a future Hall of Famer still in his prime.
According to ESPN's Field Yates, Garrett and the Browns have agreed to tweak the timing of his option bonuses for 2026, 2027, and 2028. Originally set for late March, these bonuses will now be due in September, just before the regular season kicks off each year.
This move might seem routine, but it raises some interesting questions. Why alter Garrett’s payment structure now, especially when it doesn’t create any immediate cap space for 2026?
Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap provides some clarity. He explains that Garrett’s adjustment makes his contract more team-friendly, converting future base salaries into roster bonuses. This aligns with GM Andrew Berry’s typical contract strategies, but it also makes Garrett’s deal more tradable if both sides decide to consider that route in the future.
So, what’s the real play here? Trading Garrett doesn’t seem logical for the Browns in 2026.
With his $29.2 million option bonus deferred, trading him after June 1 could save the Browns about $8.1 million in cap space. However, any picks acquired would start impacting the team in 2027, not immediately.
The timing is crucial. Trading Garrett this summer would undermine Todd Monken’s first season as head coach and signal a retreat from 2026 before it even begins. Unless a transformative player or a haul of draft picks comes Cleveland's way, exploring a trade doesn’t add up.
Looking ahead, a trade might make more sense in 2027 or 2028. As Garrett ages and Monken’s tenure develops, aligning on a trade could be more strategic, especially if the Browns aren’t closer to a Super Bowl by then. In 2028, a trade could save $16.4 million against the cap, offering a fresh start with significant draft capital.
For now, any summer 2026 trade talks are just speculation. Unless a deal emerges that improves the Browns immediately and secures elite future assets, Garrett is set to continue his journey with Cleveland into his 10th season.