New Myles Garrett Trade Rumors Reveal Browns' Stance on Deal After Contract Restructure

After the Cleveland Browns restructured star defensive end Myles Garrett's contract earlier this week, it immediately sparked speculation that he could be traded at some point.

However, ESPN's Adam Schefter completely squashed that notion during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday, saying that he spoke to the Browns and was informed that they are "100 percent definitely not trading" Garrett.

As ESPN's Field Yates reported on Wednesday, "Garrett's contract previously called for his option bonuses in 2026, 2027 and 2028 to be exercised by the 15th day of the league year. (March 25th is the 15th day of the 2026 league year.) In the amended terms, that date has been pushed back to seven days before the regular season each year. The payment of the option bonuses was also modified in a way that has benefit to Garrett. Additionally, Garrett had $8 million of his base salary in 2029 and 2030 moved into roster bonuses early in each league year."

Schefter went on to add that the Browns were "adamant" that Garrett's contract restructure was done "to give us more cap flexibility." However, Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac explained that the restructuring actually didn't create any additional salary cap space:

The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Garrett would likely command one of the largest trade returns in recent memory if Cleveland made him available on the open market. Schefter noted that the Browns' resistance to the notion of trading him is "not gonna discourage" people around the league from speculating about his future with the franchise.

For now, it appears that Garrett is staying put, but Cleveland's contract modifications leave the door open for another team to send a trade offer for him that would be hard to deny.