49ers linked to Myles Garrett amid trade speculation

The Cleveland Browns' decision to push some of defensive end Myles Garrett's payments—originally due March 25—to just seven days before the first regular-season game has once again fueled trade speculation. It's becoming a regular offseason occurrence.

While still early in the NFL offseason, many are wondering if the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year could be on the move.

Several reporters have explored which teams might pursue Garrett if the Browns decide to trade him. Naturally, the San Francisco 49ers are frequently mentioned whenever a top-tier pass rusher is available.

49ers eye pass-rush help

San Francisco's defense struggled last season, recording just 20 total sacks, the fewest in the NFL. With Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams recovering from ACL injuries—and Bryce Huff's sudden retirement—edge rusher has become a clear positional need for the team.

CBS Sports analyst John Breech weighed in on a potential Garrett-to-49ers trade:

"Garrett had more sacks last season (23) than the 49ers did as a team (20). San Francisco finished with the fewest sacks in the NFL and needs any help it can get in the pass-rushing department. The team has already signed 33-year-old Mike Evans and appears all-in for 2026, making a Garrett trade the ultimate aggressive move."

Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated's Conor Orr also sees a Garrett trade as plausible. He wrote:

"This would be an interesting long-term gamble on behalf of the Browns. While the 49ers are an excellent, top-10 team right now, their aging roster presents the possibility of a few injuries derailing a season and making future 49ers draft capital look immensely valuable. In the Kyle Shanahan era, San Francisco has picked third, ninth, second and 11th (though some of those higher picks were the result of a trade up). The 49ers are moving like a team that acknowledges upgrades are necessary to compete in an increasingly competitive NFC West, and Garrett would dramatically raise the efficacy of star pass rusher Nick Bosa in the interim. This would be a salvo fired directly toward the less-mobile Stafford and bootleg-dependent Sam Darnold within the division."

What's next for Garrett?

It's unclear what will happen with Garrett this offseason. He could just continue playing on the four-year, $160 million deal signed last year, which kept him in Cleveland.

With 125.5 career sacks—including 23 in 2025—the potential of Garrett joining another team is enough to excite any fanbase dreaming of adding a top-tier pass rush.