All-Professional defensive finish Myles Garrett has requested a commerce. The Cleveland Browns have been adamant that they’re not transferring Garrett, however the public request will invite actual suitors and, given their roster holes and bloated contracts, might drive the Browns to contemplate a shift of their pondering.
The Browns would solely commerce Garrett as a result of they felt like they needed to, and it will take a number of premium belongings in return to get it finished. Although it’s most likely not sensible to amass a beginning quarterback as a result of there aren’t sufficient of them, the Browns may ask about quarterbacks and definitely can be open to buying gamers who’re nonetheless on rookie contracts.
So, for this train, Cleveland is open for enterprise — however just for critical and vital presents. Browns author Zac Jackson is serving as GM and isn’t simply giving Garrett away. Identical to Browns precise GM Andrew Berry received’t. Construct your presents accordingly.
GO DEEPER
Myles Garrett formally requests commerce from Browns
Atlanta Falcons
Browns get: 2025 first-round decide (No. 15) and 2026 first-round decide
Falcons get: Garrett
Making this transfer can be dangerous for the Falcons, but when an elite edge rusher is obtainable, they should no less than get all of the decision-makers in a room and have the dialogue. The Falcons are famously dangerous at dashing the passer. They had been thirty first within the NFL in sacks this season (31) and final within the league over the previous 5 (141) and 10 seasons (298).
Nonetheless, they’ll’t overpay. The Falcons’ roster has too many depth holes to fill to present away a whole lot of draft picks. Atlanta might afford to ship out its 2025 and 2026 first-rounders, although, as a result of its top-end offensive expertise is in place and Garrett’s presence would elevate the extent of each defensive participant on the roster. Something past that’s an excessive amount of as a result of this crew is just not one participant away from being a contender, even when that participant is Garrett. — Josh Kendall
Buffalo Payments
Browns get: 2025 first-round decide (No. 30), second-round decide (No. 62), fourth-round decide, 2026 first-round decide, DE A.J. Epenesa and CB Kaiir Elam
Payments get: Garrett, 2025 third-round decide (No. 94, by way of Buffalo) and 2025 sixth-round decide (by way of Minnesota)
The Payments had been this near attending to the Tremendous Bowl this season and have lengthy been proponents of getting stress with solely their entrance 4. That group has by no means discovered the consistency Buffalo has desired, exterior of the primary half of 2022, earlier than Von Miller suffered a torn ACL, and was once more an issue this season. Getting an in-prime Garrett would instantly vault their defensive position into among the best within the league, and without any consideration defensive finish, would complement Greg Rousseau extraordinarily nicely.
The supply is a large one by common supervisor Brandon Beane’s requirements. It consists of two years of firsts, the higher of a Day 2 decide swap, the higher of a Day 3 decide swap, a alternative defensive finish in Epenesa — who began the complete 12 months for the Payments — and Elam, a 2022 first-round decide who can be higher suited in a person coverage-heavy scheme just like the one the Browns make use of. From a Payments perspective, they’ve the cap house, draft capital (seemingly 11 picks after the compensatory picks are introduced), the necessity on the place and the Tremendous Bowl window to make this potential deal go. — Joe Buscaglia
Chicago Bears
Browns get: 2025 first-round decide (No. 10), second-round decide (No. 41) and 2026 first-round decide
Bears get: Garrett
The Bears determine to have a three-year window earlier than they hope to increase quarterback Caleb Williams and different draft picks, so why not strike now? It’s not too dissimilar from the Khalil Mack commerce of 2018 when Mitch Trubisky was coming into Yr 2 and Matt Nagy was a first-time head coach for a Bears crew coming off a last-place end.
Ben Johnson inherits a roster that, with an improved offensive line, ought to be aggressive in 2025 and past. If the Bears can land guard Trey Smith in free company, after which use the second-rounder they’ve from Carolina (No. 39) on one other offensive lineman, they’d nonetheless be in good condition.
Garrett’s addition would rid them of any must land an edge rusher. Paired with Montez Sweat, it will be among the best defensive finish duos within the sport for brand new coordinator Dennis Allen. The issue can be the aforementioned offensive line.
An enormous free-agent acquisition and one early-round draft decide won’t be sufficient for what the Bears should do up entrance. And whereas the roster is best than its 5-12 file, is it adequate to be a Garrett away from a deep playoff run? Possibly this could day trip higher a 12 months from now. — Kevin Fishbain
In 2024, Myles Garrett turned the primary participant in NFL historical past to file 14 or extra sacks in 4 consecutive seasons. (Ken Blaze / Imagn Photographs)
Detroit Lions
Browns get: 2025 first-round decide (No. 28) and third-round decide, 2026 first-round decide and QB Hendon Hooker
Lions get: Garrett and 2026 fourth-round decide
I’ll preface this by saying this could be a real departure from the roster-building technique we’ve seen in Detroit below Lions common supervisor Brad Holmes. He’s been adamant about sticking to their course of, which has targeted on constructing by way of the draft, including free brokers the place it is sensible and increasing their homegrown expertise.
They simply signed Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Jared Goff, Taylor Decker and Alim McNeill to multi-year extensions close to the highest of their respective markets. Aidan Hutchinson and Kerby Joseph are subsequent on the listing. A 12 months from now, they might be extensions for Brian Department, Sam LaPorta and Jameson Williams. Including a veteran like Garrett may come on the expense of caring for their very own. That alone might stop them from even discussing this.
Nonetheless, Garrett is on the quick listing of gamers one might make an exception for and justify it. He’s a Corridor of Fame expertise, nonetheless in his prime, trying to win. The get-in value might be two firsts, contemplating the bidding warfare that might unfold. On this state of affairs, the Lions would half methods with their subsequent two first-rounders, their 2025 third-round comp decide and Hooker for Garrett and a 2026 fourth.
The Browns might draft Abdul Carter to interchange Garrett, whereas giving Hooker an audition in 2025 and ready till 2026 for a quarterback. A daring transfer, however one that might elevate Detroit’s protection to a championship stage. Or, it might merely carry again Za’Darius Smith to pair with Hutchinson in 2025. — Colton Pouncy
Inexperienced Bay Packers
Browns get: 2025 first-round decide (No. 23), 2026 conditional second-round decide and DE Lukas Van Ness
Packers get: Garrett
Packers common supervisor Brian Gutekunst mentioned at his season-ending information convention that it’s time for the crew to begin competing for championships, and that urgency must be better. These directives embrace him, too, and that’s why the Packers ought to be in on a future first-ballot Corridor of Famer nonetheless in his prime. Coach Matt LaFleur lately fired defensive position coach Jason Rebrovich after a season by which Gutekunst mentioned the cross rush was too inconsistent. A six-time All-Professional may assist repair that.
I’m proposing the Packers ship the Browns the No. 23 decide within the 2025 draft, a conditional second-rounder within the 2026 draft that turns into a primary if Garrett is a first-team All-Professional in 2025, and Van Ness, a 2023 first-rounder with loads of potential who has but to interrupt out.
The Packers don’t traditionally make strikes like this, and Gutekunst acknowledged that in January when addressing the hypothetical of buying and selling premium draft capital for a longtime veteran. However this case is completely different and worthy of sacrificing prized decide capital in pursuit of a title, and it will elevate one of many NFL’s greatest defenses even increased. Plus, Browns author (and GM on this train) Zac Jackson thinks the beginning value shall be two first-round picks. I’m making an attempt to make a deal right here, individuals. — Matt Schneidman
Indianapolis Colts
Browns get: 2025 first-round decide (No. 14), 2026 first-round decide and DE Kwity Paye
Colts get: Garrett
Colts common supervisor Chris Ballard mentioned throughout his season-ending information convention that he wouldn’t mortgage the crew’s future out of desperation. Garrett, a four-time first-team All-Professional, is the type of participant who might make him rethink his offseason strategy. Parting methods with two first-round picks isn’t any simple process, however for a franchise that’s typically been mired in mediocrity, Garrett might be a key piece that pushes Indy again into the playoffs for the primary time since 2020.
The Browns would additionally get 26-year-old Paye in return after he recorded eight sacks in 2024. The 2021 first-round decide hasn’t grow to be the game-wrecker the Colts hoped, however he has confirmed to be a stable NFL starter. Indianapolis picked up Paye’s fifth-year choice final 12 months, so he’s set to make $13.4 million within the last 12 months of his deal in 2025. The Browns would then have the flexibleness to maintain Paye round long run or transfer on from him in the event that they need to recoup extra cap house in 2026. — James Boyd
Myles Garrett’s resume is sufficient to make each GM no less than contemplate selecting up the cellphone to make a proposal. (Scott Galvin / Imagn Photographs)
Los Angeles Chargers
Browns get: 2025 first-round decide (No. 22), third-round decide (No. 86) and DE Joey Bosa
Chargers get: Garrett
In nearly every other state of affairs, it will be onerous to see common supervisor Joe Hortiz parting with this type of draft capital. However when one of the best defensive participant within the league is doubtlessly obtainable, it’s a must to examine on the worth and maintain an open thoughts.
Bosa has a $36.5 million cap hit in 2025, based on Over the Cap. The Chargers will seemingly want to deal with that quantity in some capability this offseason. They might save $25.4 million by buying and selling Bosa. The Browns, who’re near $40 million over the cap, would tackle that wage plus the lifeless cash on Garrett’s deal. Cleveland would have choices so far as reducing Bosa’s 2025 cap hit, both by way of a restructure with void years or an extension.
Bosa has battled accidents over the previous three seasons, however he doesn’t flip 30 till July and is within the last 12 months of his contract. Together with Bosa within the deal might reduce the blow of transferring on from an elite participant like Garrett. The Chargers might then re-sign Mack and have one of the best pass-rushing duo within the league. Is it sufficient of a return for the Browns? — Daniel Popper
New England Patriots
Browns get: 2025 second-round decide (No. 38) and 2026 first-round decide
Patriots get: Garrett
Some groups might be able to justify parting with two first-round picks for a celebrity like Garrett, however that may be a tricky proposition for the still-rebuilding Patriots. That mentioned, New England ranked final within the NFL in sacks and second-to-last in stress fee this season, so it will profit from a difference-maker like Garrett.
Even when this can be a lot for a reassembling crew to surrender, the Pats have the cap house to drag it off (greater than every other crew) and a few familiarity with Garrett. Eliot Wolf was Cleveland’s assistant common supervisor for 2 years, and Mike Vrabel spent final season as a guide with the Browns. So this supply is an enormous swing for the Patriots to bolster the protection whereas retaining the No. 4 decide on this 12 months’s draft. — Chad Graff
GO DEEPER
Buying and selling Myles Garrett is Browns’ greatest path to hurry up — and embrace — a rebuild
San Francisco 49ers
Browns get: 2025 first-round decide (No. 11), 2026 first-round decide and kicker Jake Moody
49ers get: Garrett
With Garrett on one facet of the defensive position and Nick Bosa on the opposite, the 49ers would resemble the 2015 Denver Broncos, who received Tremendous Bowl 50 largely as a result of they’d a pair of wonderful edge rushers in Miller and DeMarcus Ware. The Broncos received that Tremendous Bowl at Levi’s Stadium. Any guesses as to the place subsequent 12 months’s Tremendous Bowl shall be held? (Reply: Levi’s Stadium).
Sure, buying and selling away first-round picks means the 49ers can say goodbye to drafting Trent Williams’ alternative at left deal with or snagging one of many high defensive tackles on this 12 months’s draft. The 49ers additionally must weigh buying and selling for a longtime edge rusher like Garrett in opposition to taking a younger one — say, Georgia’s Mykel Williams — in April.
And we’re critical about Moody. He’s from the higher Midwest and possibly might use a change of surroundings after he struggled within the second half of his second season in San Francisco. The one full-time kicker with a worse discipline aim proportion than him final season is the Browns’ Dustin Hopkins. — Matt Barrows
Washington Commanders
Browns get: 2025 first-round decide (No. 29), 2026 first-round decide, OT Brandon Coleman and DT Daron Payne
Commanders get: Garrett, 2025 fifth-round and 2026 sixth-round picks
These are new instances right here in Washington and what managing accomplice Josh Harris dubbed a “huge alternative.” Particularly, how do the Commanders maximize quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels taking part in on his rookie contract for no less than the subsequent two years? Daniels is arguably one of the best quarterback within the down NFC coming into his sophomore marketing campaign.
After a run to the convention championship sport and with this small Daniels rookie contract window, it’s time to get aggressive. Two first-round picks (or one first-rounder and a number of Day 2 choices) appear to be the entry level. Washington’s projected to choose exterior the top-20 with Daniels below heart — twenty ninth this 12 months — so we tack on two starters.
Coleman, a third-round decide in 2024, began 12 video games at left deal with. His measurement and power might flip him right into a longtime starter at deal with or guard. Washington wants so as to add O-line assist, not subtract, however that is an space the Commanders might goal in free company or the second spherical and enhance the place.
Payne’s performances haven’t sniffed his 2022 Professional Bowl marketing campaign, which led to a four-year, $90 million extension that runs by way of 2026, however he stays a viable starter. Payne comes with salaries of $19.6 million and $16.4 million over the subsequent two years, however his assured cash ends earlier than 2026. Play out the complete contract, and Cleveland will get a compensation decide. Shifting Payne would permit the Commanders to maintain defensive deal with Jonathan Allen, a possible cap lower this offseason, and land a future comp decide for Allen whereas sustaining inside power for 2025. — Ben Standig
I believe Washington’s supply is greatest on condition that Cleveland additionally wants youth throughout its offensive line. Washington can be betting that the 2026 first-rounder would once more be a late decide, however I believe the Browns definitely would desire a 2026 first-round choice. The Commanders may get it finished in the event that they’d additionally throw in a late 2026 decide and take cornerback Greg Newsome II and his totally assured $13 million 2025 fifth-year choice off the Browns’ palms (and books).
Chicago’s supply can be tempting as a result of the Browns might instantly present their followers (and possession group) a rebuild that features 4 of the primary 41 picks this 12 months plus a 2026 first-rounder. That supply is just so much higher than most of the others.
The Hooker addition makes Detroit’s deal intriguing, however a backup quarterback isn’t going to be sufficient right here. New England would most likely have so as to add Joe Milton III and one other participant to get on this bidding.
That’s a pleasant supply by Buffalo, too. Embody Rousseau, overlook in regards to the Amari Cooper swap and name us again tomorrow.
As for the Chargers, I simply can’t see the Browns being within the Joey Bosa enterprise proper now. Rashawn Slater perhaps, however any Garrett commerce can be a part of an intentional teardown and youth motion. — Jackson
(High photograph: Greg Fiume / Getty Photographs)