Could Myles Garrett Be on the Move? Browns Face a Franchise-Defining Decision
Let’s be clear up front: there’s no indication the Cleveland Browns are actively shopping Myles Garrett. He’s not just their best player-he’s arguably the best defensive player in football right now. With 19.0 sacks and counting, Garrett is the clear frontrunner for the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year award, and he’s doing it on a level that feels historic.
But in the NFL, even the most unthinkable scenarios can start to make sense when a franchise is stuck in the mud. And right now, that’s exactly where the Browns find themselves-again.
At 3-10, coming off a loss to a Titans team that had just one win before Sunday, Cleveland’s season has unraveled. The playoff hopes are long gone.
The quarterback situation remains a revolving door. And despite Garrett’s monster season, the Browns are staring down another offseason of hard questions and tough decisions.
So here’s the thought: what if the Browns used their most valuable asset-Garrett himself-as the ultimate reset button?
It’s not a move you make lightly. Garrett isn’t just productive; he’s a generational pass rusher, the kind of player who tilts the field every snap.
But he also carries immense value, especially with a contract that, while massive, is surprisingly tradeable. He’s guaranteed around $62 million over the next two years-a hefty number, but one that could look like a bargain for a team getting a Defensive Player of the Year candidate in his prime.
And yes, the Browns would take on a significant dead cap hit-around $41 million. But we’ve seen teams absorb worse.
The Broncos ate $85 million in dead money when they moved on from Russell Wilson, and they’re 20-10 since. Sometimes, ripping off the Band-Aid is the first step toward real progress.
Garrett’s situation is also layered with history. He reportedly asked for a trade before this past offseason, frustrated with the losing that’s defined much of his career in Cleveland.
Even after signing a record-breaking extension that made him the highest-paid defensive player in league history, the wins haven’t followed. The Browns have made the playoffs just twice since drafting him No. 1 overall in 2017.
So, if another offseason arrives and Garrett decides he’s had enough, the Browns could be forced to consider the unthinkable.
And if that door opens, one destination makes more sense than any other: Dallas.
Garrett grew up in Arlington, starred at Martin High School, and became a household name at Texas A&M. He trains in Dallas during the offseason, still gives back to the local community, and has deep ties to the area. His connection to the city is personal and lasting.
From a football standpoint, the Cowboys could absolutely use him. The departure of Micah Parsons has left a noticeable void in their defense, and Garrett would immediately bring back the kind of edge presence that offenses have to game-plan around. Dallas also has the draft capital to make a deal work, including two first-round picks in 2026-one of which came from the Parsons trade.
The challenge? Crafting a package that actually entices Cleveland to part with their cornerstone.
It would likely take a haul-premium picks, maybe a starter or two-and even then, the Browns would have to be convinced they’re better off starting over. But if they’re eyeing one of the top quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft, and believe Garrett’s peak value could help them get there, the conversation becomes real.
For now, it’s just a possibility. But it’s not out of the question. And with Garrett just 3.5 sacks away from breaking the single-season record, his stock has never been higher.
If the Browns are serious about changing the trajectory of their franchise, moving Garrett-however painful-might be the boldest, most strategic move they could make. And if Garrett is granted the chance to choose his next chapter, don’t be surprised if he looks back toward the place where it all started.
Because for Myles Garrett, there really might be no place like home.