Browns keep door to potential Myles Garrett trade wide open

The Cleveland Browns have re-worked the language of Myles Garrett's contract on the day that he was set to receive his option bonus. Instead, Garrett's option bonus will not kick in until August. This was reported as a move to give the Browns more spending flexibility, but it really carries much heavier implications: it has kept a window open for the Browns to trade the r eigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year and NFL sack king.

By pushing back the option deadline, an additional $5. 8 million in guaranteed money, which is now money an acquiring team would have to take on if Garrett is dealt. Given the rule change, the Browns are asking to be put to a vote at the owners' meetings that would allow for teams to trade picks up to five years into the future instead of three years.

They could be putting themselves in a position to receive a haul from the future first ballot Hall of Famer. The Browns and refining Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett agreed to some modified language in his contract this week that provides some cap flexibility for the team going forward, as well as some option bonus payment benefit for Garrett: https://t. co/bUrYox8txT — Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 25, 2026 A Browns potential trade of Myles Garrett Cap expert at Over the Cap, Jason Fitzgerald, broke down exactly what this move means for the Browns and Garrett.

He stated that there was no reason to make this move between the two sides unless the plan is to continue to view Garrett as a tradeable asset. By deferring the option the trade window for the player extends well into the summer... it is an odd move to make for a player with a no trade clause, but the Browns seemingly turned a very player favorable contract back into a team favorable one with this move and will certainly keep trade discussions out in the media next year if the team plays poorly this year.