Should the Cleveland Browns Trade Pro Bowler Myles Garrett?

The question of whether Myles Garrett should stay in Cleveland is currently one of the hottest debates in the NFL. He had another NFL Defensive Player of the Year season where he broke the single-season sack record (23). But the Browns find themselves at a crossroads between keeping their franchise cornerstone and executing a reset.

General manager Andrew Berry recently reiterated that Garrett is a career Brown. Despite a reported trade request by Garrett in 2025, the team has been adamant that he is not on the block.

But should they trade him?

Will the Browns Part Ways with Myles Garrett?

The Case for Garrett Staying

Myles Garrett is not just good. He is arguably the best player in the league (if not, one of the greatest at his position in history). Losing him would leave a massive void in a defense that is the only thing keeping the Browns competitive.

The Cleveland Browns recently restructured his deal (moving $29 million in bonuses) to create flexibility. While some see this as preparation for a possible trade, the team insists it’s just standard cap management.

The Case for Garrett Leaving

The Cleveland Browns have two first-round picks this year. Trading Garrett could yield a grand offer. This could give the team multiple additional first-round picks, allowing them to rebuild around Shedeur Sanders or DeShaun Watson.

At 30 years old, Garrett’s prime aligns poorly with a Cleveland roster that looks to be building towards a longer horizon. They seem to be doing that rather than contending for a Super Bowl right now.

Rumors have swirled around teams like the Chicago Bears. They are reportedly in an ‘all-in’ mindset with a young quarterback on a rookie deal and a massive need for an edge rusher. 

Ultimate Reality

Financially, a trade is now more viable than it was a month ago due to the contract restructure. But Myles Garrett still has a no-trade clause. He would have to approve any move. While the front office is publicly saying all the right things about him staying,  the next few weeks leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft will tell the true story.

If a team like Chicago or even a contender like the Philadelphia Eagles offers a massive haul of picks, the Browns can boost their rebuild.