Myles Garrett’s Future in Cleveland Hanging in the Balance Amid Trade Request and Contract Disputes
Myles Garrett’s future with the Cleveland Browns is increasingly uncertain as reports surface of his dissatisfaction and desire to play for a Super Bowl contender. The star defensive end, who has consistently been a dominant force on the field for the Browns, has seemingly taken definitive steps to distance himself from the organization, raising serious questions about whether he will remain in Cleveland beyond his current contract.
Weeks after news broke that Garrett had officially requested a trade from the Browns, further reports have emerged indicating that he is unwilling to engage in extension talks with the team. Cleveland.com has reported that Garrett and his representatives have effectively shut down any potential negotiations, slamming the door on the possibility of a new deal. This development paints a stark picture of Garrett’s position, suggesting a fundamental disconnect between the player and the franchise.
Garrett’s desire to compete for championships has been made public. The 2023 AP Defensive Player of the Year and four-time All-Pro selection issued a statement earlier this month explicitly stating his ambition to play for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. While not directly criticizing the Browns, the implication was clear: Garrett believes his talents are being wasted on a team that is not currently positioned to contend for a title.
Despite Garrett’s clear discontent, the Browns’ front office maintains that they have no intention of trading their star player. General Manager Andrew Berry addressed the situation at the NFL combine, stating emphatically that the team cannot envision a scenario where they are better off without Garrett. Berry’s comments were a strong indication that the Browns are unwilling to entertain trade offers for the defensive end, regardless of his personal desires. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski echoed Berry’s sentiment, emphasizing that Garrett is a crucial part of both the present and future of the Browns organization.
Garrett is currently under contract with the Browns for two more seasons, a deal he signed in 2020 that was worth $125 million over five years. However, he has no guaranteed money remaining on that contract. This lack of guaranteed money arguably provides Garrett with more leverage in his standoff with the team. It suggests that the Browns could cut or trade him with less financial ramification than it may have previously been.
The Browns’ recent struggles on the field provide context for Garrett’s frustration. The team is coming off a dismal 3-14 season, their worst performance since the infamous 0-16 campaign in 2017, which happened to be Garrett’s rookie year. The season was marred by inconsistent quarterback play, particularly from Deshaun Watson, who struggled to live up to expectations before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury. Watson underwent surgery in January, casting serious doubt on his availability for the 2025 season, further jeopardizing the Browns’ immediate prospects.
Throughout his eight-year career with the Browns, Garrett has only experienced the playoffs twice. While he has consistently delivered individual excellence, with double-digit sacks in seven consecutive seasons and 14-plus sacks in each of his last four, the team’s overall lack of success has undoubtedly fueled his desire to seek opportunities elsewhere. The frustration of being a dominant player on a losing team appears to be a major driving force behind his trade request and refusal to consider a contract extension.
The situation presents a complex dilemma for the Browns. On one hand, trading Garrett would undoubtedly weaken their defense and potentially set the franchise back even further. He is arguably the most talented player on the team and a key building block for any future success. On the other hand, keeping a disgruntled player who clearly does not want to be in Cleveland could create a negative atmosphere within the locker room and ultimately undermine the team’s performance.
The Browns could try to make moves to convince Garrett that they are serious about building a contender. This would likely involve improving the quarterback situation, either by finding a reliable backup for Watson or potentially exploring other options at the position. It could also involve investing in other key positions on both sides of the ball to bolster the overall talent level of the team.
The Browns could also consider offering Garrett a revised contract that includes more guaranteed money and potentially incentives tied to team performance. This would demonstrate a commitment to him and could potentially persuade him to reconsider his position. However, given his stated desire to play for a contender, it is unclear whether money alone would be enough to change his mind.
Ultimately, the Browns face a difficult decision regarding Myles Garrett’s future. They must weigh the potential consequences of trading him against the risks of keeping a player who is actively seeking a way out. The outcome of this situation will have a significant impact on the trajectory of the franchise for years to come. The next several months will be critical in determining whether Garrett remains in Cleveland or embarks on a new chapter of his career with a different team. The Browns’ ability to address Garrett’s concerns and demonstrate a commitment to winning will likely be the deciding factor.
