The Cleveland Browns recently made a significant tweak to superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett's contract, and it’s got the rumor mill buzzing. By shifting the timing of his option bonuses, the Browns have sparked speculation about a potential trade involving the future Hall of Famer.
An NFL executive shared with Mike Sando of The Athletic that this contract adjustment hints at Cleveland's possible plans to trade Garrett. It's a move that could signal a major rebuild for the Browns. Garrett, at 30, is not just a cornerstone of the team; he’s arguably the best player in the league, fresh off setting an NFL record with 23 sacks in 2025.
Should the Browns decide to part ways with Garrett, teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Los Angeles Rams are likely suitors. Each of these teams is on the hunt for a dominant edge rusher and has the assets to make a compelling offer.
The Cowboys, for instance, are sitting pretty with two first-round picks in the upcoming draft, thanks to their trade involving Micah Parsons with the Packers last August. Meanwhile, the Bears have four picks within the top 100, and with quarterback Caleb Williams on a rookie contract, they’re in a prime position to make a bold move.
The Eagles might also be in the mix, especially if they decide to move on from wide receiver A.J. Brown after June 1. Having just lost edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to the Panthers, Philadelphia's need for a game-changing pass rusher is clear.
Then there’s the Rams, who are no strangers to making splashy moves. After acquiring cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs, they seem to be in win-now mode, possibly gearing up for one last Super Bowl push with quarterback Matthew Stafford.
While Garrett is likely to stay put with the Browns for now, the chances of a trade in the coming years have certainly increased. This situation is one to watch closely, as it could reshape the landscape of the league.