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Browns Predicted To Draft Myles Garrett Replacement As Trade Rumors Intensify

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zahid Rashid | Last updated Apr 5, 2026 9:05 AM ET

The Cleveland Browns are coming off another frustrating season, and while star pass rusher Myles Garrett has not renewed his trade request this offseason, speculation around his future has quietly intensified.

Garrett has been the defensive cornerstone of the franchise since being selected No. 1 overall in 2017. He is coming off a career year in which he recorded 23.0 sacks, setting a new single-season franchise record, and now owns 125.5 career sacks, the most in Browns history.

However, despite Garrett’s sustained dominance, team success has been limited. That reality, combined with recent tweaks to his contract, has fueled growing sentiment that Cleveland could be open to trade offers, looking to maximize his value while he remains in his prime and stockpile draft capital ahead of what is expected to be a quarterback-heavy 2027 draft class.

Myles Garrett, while chasing Aaron Rodgers at Huntington Bank Field. Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Among those supporting that idea is NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein, who recently predicted the Browns could make a blockbuster move and target Clemson edge T.J. Parker at No. 24 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

"I'm in the camp of people who believe the Browns could shake up the NFL with a trade of Myles Garrett before the draft -- despite brass repeatedly denying the possibility -- which could change everything. Parker is a power rushing edge whose 2024 production was off the charts," Zierlein wrote in his latest mock draft.

Although general manager Andrew Berry has publicly downplayed any trade discussions, league insiders believe the contract adjustments could make Garrett more accessible to inquiries. At 30 years old and still performing at an elite level, his value may never be higher.

Trading Garrett would undoubtedly weaken Cleveland’s defense in the short term. However, in Parker, they would acquire a promising young edge rusher with the tools to develop into a long-term starter.

At 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds, Parker brings a strong power profile and the physicality to hold up at the point of attack. He is a relentless pass rusher and a disciplined run defender, with production that reflects his impact on both fronts.

Last season, Parker recorded 37 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 5.0 sacks, while adding two pass breakups and three fumble recoveries across 12 starts. His true breakout came in 2024, when he posted 57 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and a school-record six forced fumbles.

While no direct comparison to Garrett is fair, the 21-year-old has the upside to become a key piece of Cleveland’s future.

Even if the Browns ultimately decide to retain Garrett, Parker could still be a perfect understudy to the Hall of Fame-bound defender. However, in that scenario, Cleveland would likely prioritize addressing its offensive needs.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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