All-Professional defensive finish Myles Garrett has requested a commerce. The Cleveland Browns have been adamant that they’re not shifting Garrett, however the public request will invite actual suitors and, given their roster holes and bloated contracts, might power the Browns to contemplate a shift of their considering.
The Browns would solely commerce Garrett as a result of they felt like they needed to, and it will take a number of premium property in return to get it achieved. Although it’s most likely not practical to accumulate 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 severe and important provides. Browns author Zac Jackson is serving as GM and isn’t simply giving Garrett away. Similar to Browns precise GM Andrew Berry received’t. Construct your provides 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 on the market, they must at the very least get all of the decision-makers in a room and have the dialogue. The Falcons are famously dangerous at dashing the passer. They have 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 offer away a number 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 increase the extent of each defensive participant on the roster. Something past that’s an excessive amount of as a result of this staff just isn’t 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, through Buffalo) and 2025 sixth-round decide (through Minnesota)
The Payments have 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, outdoors 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 line of defense into among the finest within the league, and for granted defensive finish, would complement Greg Rousseau extraordinarily nicely.
The provide is a large one by normal 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 substitute defensive finish in Epenesa — who began the complete yr 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 (possible 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 staff coming off a last-place end.
Ben Johnson inherits a roster that, with an improved offensive line, must 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 have to land an edge rusher. Paired with Montez Sweat, it will be among the finest 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 may not be sufficient for what the Bears must do up entrance. And whereas the roster is best than its 5-12 file, is it ok to be a Garrett away from a deep playoff run? Possibly this could day out higher a yr from now. — Kevin Fishbain
In 2024, Myles Garrett grew to become the primary participant in NFL historical past to file 14 or extra sacks in 4 consecutive seasons. (Ken Blaze / Imagn Photos)
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 normal supervisor Brad Holmes. He’s been adamant about sticking to their course of, which has targeted on constructing by means of the draft, including free brokers the place it is smart 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 checklist. A yr from now, they could possibly be taking a look at extensions for Brian Department, Sam LaPorta and Jameson Williams. Including a veteran like Garrett may come on the expense of taking good care of their very own. That alone might forestall them from even discussing this.
Nevertheless, Garrett is on the quick checklist 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 struggle that might unfold. On this situation, 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 degree. Or, it might merely deliver 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 normal supervisor Brian Gutekunst stated at his season-ending information convention that it’s time for the staff to begin competing for championships, and that urgency must be higher. These directives embrace him, too, and that’s why the Packers must be in on a future first-ballot Corridor of Famer nonetheless in his prime. Coach Matt LaFleur not too long ago fired line of defense coach Jason Rebrovich after a season by which Gutekunst stated 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 totally 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 larger. Plus, Browns author (and GM on this train) Zac Jackson thinks the beginning value will probably be two first-round picks. I’m attempting to make a deal right here, folks. — Matt Schneidman
Indianapolis Colts
Browns get: 2025 first-round decide (No. 14), 2026 first-round decide and DE Kwity Paye
Colts get: Garrett
Colts normal supervisor Chris Ballard stated throughout his season-ending information convention that he wouldn’t mortgage the staff’s future out of desperation. Garrett, a four-time first-team All-Professional, is the sort of participant who might make him rethink his offseason method. Parting methods with two first-round picks isn’t any simple job, however for a franchise that’s usually been mired in mediocrity, Garrett could possibly 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 turn out 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 possibility final yr, so he’s set to make $13.4 million within the last yr 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 wish to recoup extra cap house in 2026. — James Boyd
Myles Garrett’s resume is sufficient to make each GM at the very least take into account selecting up the cellphone to make a proposal. (Scott Galvin / Imagn Photos)
Los Angeles Chargers
Browns get: 2025 first-round decide (No. 22), third-round decide (No. 86) and DE Joey Bosa
Chargers get: Garrett
In virtually every other situation, it will be onerous to see normal supervisor Joe Hortiz parting with this type of draft capital. However when the perfect defensive participant within the league is probably accessible, you need to verify on the worth and maintain an open thoughts.
Bosa has a $36.5 million cap hit in 2025, in response to Over the Cap. The Chargers will possible want to handle 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 through 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 yr of his contract. Together with Bosa within the deal might reduce the blow of shifting on from an elite participant like Garrett. The Chargers might then re-sign Mack and have the perfect 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 famous person like Garrett, however that will be a tricky proposition for the still-rebuilding Patriots. That stated, New England ranked final within the NFL in sacks and second-to-last in stress charge this season, so it will profit from a difference-maker like Garrett.
Even when this can be a lot for a reassembling staff to surrender, the Pats have the cap house to tug it off (greater than every other staff) and a few familiarity with Garrett. Eliot Wolf was Cleveland’s assistant normal supervisor for 2 years, and Mike Vrabel spent final season as a guide with the Browns. So this provide is an enormous swing for the Patriots to bolster the protection whereas retaining the No. 4 decide on this yr’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 line of defense 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 fantastic edge rushers in Miller and DeMarcus Ware. The Broncos received that Tremendous Bowl at Levi’s Stadium. Any guesses as to the place subsequent yr’s Tremendous Bowl will probably be held? (Reply: Levi’s Stadium).
Sure, buying and selling away first-round picks means the 49ers can say goodbye to drafting Trent Williams’ substitute at left sort out or snagging one of many high defensive tackles on this yr’s draft. The 49ers additionally must weigh buying and selling for a longtime edge rusher like Garrett towards taking a younger one — say, Georgia’s Mykel Williams — in April.
And we’re severe about Moody. He’s from the higher Midwest and doubtless 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 share 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 occasions right here in Washington and what managing companion Josh Harris dubbed a “large alternative.” Particularly, how do the Commanders maximize quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels taking part in on his rookie contract for at the very least the subsequent two years? Daniels is arguably the perfect 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 alternatives) appear to be the entry level. Washington’s projected to choose outdoors the top-20 with Daniels below middle — twenty ninth this yr — so we tack on two starters.
Coleman, a third-round decide in 2024, began 12 video games at left sort out. His measurement and power might flip him right into a longtime starter at sort out 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 means 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. Transferring Payne would permit the Commanders to maintain defensive sort out Jonathan Allen, a possible cap reduce this offseason, and land a future comp decide for Allen whereas sustaining inside power for 2025. — Ben Standig
I believe Washington’s provide 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 need a 2026 first-round choice. The Commanders may get it achieved in the event that they’d additionally throw in a late 2026 decide and take cornerback Greg Newsome II and his absolutely assured $13 million 2025 fifth-year possibility off the Browns’ palms (and books).
Chicago’s provide can also 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 yr plus a 2026 first-rounder. That supply is solely 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 provide by Buffalo, too. Embrace 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
(Prime photograph: Greg Fiume / Getty Photos)