Myles Garrett’s Trade Request Drama Intensifies with Haslam’s Rejection

The ongoing saga between star defensive end Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns took a dramatic turn Friday morning, escalating the tension surrounding Garrett’s future with the team. According to reports from NFL Network, Garrett, who publicly requested a trade in February through a formal written statement, sought a direct audience with Browns owner Jimmy Haslam. The purpose of this meeting, as suspected, was to further discuss his desire to be traded to a team with Super Bowl aspirations. However, Haslam reportedly declined Garrett’s request, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

This refusal signals a clear vote of confidence in General Manager Andrew Berry, as Haslam is reportedly entrusting him to handle the entirety of Garrett’s trade request. In response to Garrett’s appeal for a meeting, Haslam reportedly directed Garrett and his agent to communicate exclusively with Berry moving forward. This decision underlines the power and autonomy granted to Berry within the Browns organization and highlights Haslam’s willingness to empower his general manager in crucial personnel matters.

The implications of this decision are far-reaching. It suggests the Browns are holding firm in their stance against trading Garrett, and they are relying on Berry to manage the situation diplomatically and professionally. It also puts pressure on Berry to either convince Garrett to remain with the team or navigate any potential trade negotiations in a way that maximizes the Browns’ return.

Garrett’s public trade request stemmed from his desire to compete for a Super Bowl as he enters his age-30 season. In his statement, he expressed his love for the city of Cleveland but emphasized his unwavering commitment to winning at the highest level. "While I’ve loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won’t allow me to be complacent," Garrett wrote. "The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl. With that in mind, I have requested to be traded from the Cleveland Browns."

Garrett’s motivation is understandable, as the Browns have struggled to consistently contend for championships during his tenure. Despite his individual brilliance, the team has only made the playoffs twice in the eight years since drafting him first overall in 2017, winning just one playoff game. Last season’s disappointing 3-14 record further fueled the perception that the Browns are not currently positioned to compete for a Super Bowl. This record did grant them the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, but Garrett seemingly doesn’t want to wait for a rebuild.

The Browns, however, remain adamant about retaining Garrett’s services. Since the initial trade request, the team’s message has remained consistent: they have no plans to trade their star defensive end. Berry reiterated this stance at the NFL combine in Indianapolis, stating that the team "can’t imagine a situation where not having Myles as part of the organization is best for the Browns."

This firm stance sets the stage for a potential impasse. Garrett has made his desire to leave clear, while the Browns are publicly committed to keeping him. This situation could lead to a prolonged period of uncertainty, potentially impacting team morale and Garrett’s performance on the field.

Despite the Browns’ efforts to retain him, speculation about Garrett’s next destination continues to swirl. Several teams are considered potential landing spots, with the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles currently favored to acquire the star defensive end, according to various betting odds. Both teams possess the resources and competitive aspirations that could appeal to Garrett. The Commanders are undergoing a rebuild with a new coaching staff and ownership, and adding a player of Garrett’s caliber could accelerate their progress. The Eagles, on the other hand, are consistently contending for Super Bowls and could view Garrett as the final piece to their championship puzzle.

Garrett is coming off his second consecutive year as an All-Pro defensive end and his fourth overall since being drafted by Cleveland. He has two years remaining on the five-year, $125 million contract he signed in 2020. While the Browns have already paid out his guaranteed money, trading Garrett would still involve significant financial implications for the acquiring team. Any team trading for him would be taking on a substantial contract, which means they would need to be confident that he would be a significant contributor for the remainder of his deal.

The Browns’ refusal to grant Garrett a meeting with Haslam is a calculated risk. While it reinforces their commitment to Berry and their desire to keep Garrett, it could also further alienate the player and potentially create a rift that is difficult to repair. The Browns are essentially betting that Berry can either convince Garrett to buy into the team’s future or navigate a trade scenario that benefits the organization in the long run.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of this situation. Will Garrett soften his stance and commit to the Browns’ vision? Will Berry be able to orchestrate a trade that satisfies both parties? Or will this standoff escalate into a full-blown crisis that threatens to derail the Browns’ season? One thing is certain: the future of Myles Garrett in Cleveland remains uncertain, and the resolution of this saga will have a significant impact on the Browns’ fortunes for years to come. The power dynamic seems to be leaning towards the Browns front office.