Myles Garrett Trade Rumors Persist Despite Browns' Reluctance

The Browns are not actively shopping Myles Garrett, but insiders believe the possibility of a blockbuster trade has not been fully ruled out. A recent contract modification reportedly created more post-June 1 flexibility, fueling speculation around teams like the Eagles, Lions, and Cowboys. Cleveland would likely demand multiple premium draft picks for the All-Pro pass rusher, whose value remains extremely high after another dominant season. While a move before Week 1 still appears unlikely, Garrett’s absence from offseason work and ongoing league chatter continue to keep the rumors alive heading toward training camp.

The Cleveland Browns are publicly moving forward with Myles Garrett still at the center of their defense, but fresh league chatter suggests the possibility of a trade has not completely disappeared. According to insiders around the organization, Garrett’s revised contract structure in March created more flexibility for a potential move after June 1, even if the Browns remain reluctant to part ways with their franchise pass rusher. Any deal involving Garrett would likely require at least one first-round pick plus additional assets, considering he remains one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive players entering the 2026 season.

Which teams are interested in Myles Garrett

CategoryDetailsPlayerMyles GarrettCurrent TeamCleveland BrownsRumored TeamPhiladelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Dallas CowboysContract StatusUnder long-term extensionSalary Cap HitSignificant multi-year cap figureTrade LikelihoodLow to moderateLatest Insider Update“Door remains cracked” on possible tradePotential ReturnMultiple premium draft picks

Several contenders would immediately enter the conversation if Garrett ever became officially available. The Philadelphia Eagles continue to surface in league speculation because of their aggressive roster-building philosophy and strong defensive front. Garrett lining up alongside Philadelphia’s current pass rushers would instantly create one of the NFL’s most dangerous defensive units. The Detroit Lions also make sense as a potential fit. Detroit has been searching for another elite edge defender capable of elevating a defense built to compete deep into January. Garrett would fill that gap immediately. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys could become an intriguing wildcard if ownership decides to pursue another star-level defensive addition. Pairing Garrett with their existing defensive core would dramatically raise expectations in the NFC. Still, any team interested would need enough draft capital and salary cap flexibility to absorb one of the league’s largest defensive contracts.

What insiders are saying about the trade rumors

Zac Jackson of The Athletic recently reported that the “door remains cracked” regarding a Garrett trade, particularly after the Browns adjusted his contract earlier this offseason. Jackson wrote, “Garrett never attends spring practices ahead of mandatory minicamp, but it’s still notable that Garrett has not personally met with Monken. In March, the Browns and Garrett agreed to a contract modification that makes a trade of Garrett after June 1 more possible than it previously had been.” Even so, league executives still view a trade before the season as unlikely. Cleveland resisted previous interest in Garrett, and his dominant 2025 campaign only reinforced his importance to the roster.

Contract details and salary cap implications

Garrett remains tied to one of the NFL’s most expensive defensive contracts, which naturally complicates trade discussions. The Browns’ recent contract adjustment reportedly improved trade flexibility after June 1 by easing future cap penalties. There is no public indication that Garrett holds a no-trade clause, meaning Cleveland would control any negotiations if talks advanced. For interested teams, the challenge would not only involve surrendering multiple premium picks but also absorbing Garrett’s long-term salary commitments. That combination narrows the list of realistic trade partners considerably.

How the trade could impact both teams

Moving Garrett would completely reshape Cleveland’s defensive identity. Even with a new coaching staff led by Todd Monken, losing the team’s best player before Week 1 would create enormous pressure on a roster already facing uncertainty at quarterback. For a contender acquiring Garrett, the impact could be immediate. A proven edge rusher changes playoff expectations quickly, especially for teams already close to competing for a Super Bowl berth. At this point, the Browns are still expected to keep Garrett. But with mandatory minicamp beginning June 9 and speculation continuing to build quietly around the league, the situation remains worth monitoring deeper into the summer.

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