Myles Garrett’s Future with Browns Grows Uncertain Amid Trade Request

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Myles Garrett, the Cleveland Browns superstar defensive end, has made it clear he is “not open to” a contract extension with the team, according to a league source. This revelation comes amidst growing tension between Garrett and the Browns, as he has formally requested a trade to pursue championship aspirations.

The news was reported on Thursday as the Browns attended the NFL Scouting Combine, where general manager Andrew Berry typically discusses potential trades and contract negotiations. However, Garrett and his agent, Nicole Lynn of Klutch Sports, have reportedly closed the door on any talks regarding an extension.

“We’re not interested in trading Myles,” Berry stated emphatically at the Combine this week, echoing his stance from previous statements at the Senior Bowl. “Myles, as you guys have all heard me say, he’s a huge part of our organization, really good person, he’s an awesome player.”

Garrett, who was selected first overall by the Browns in 2017, is in the final two years of a five-year, $125 million extension that pays him $25 million annually. Despite this lucrative deal, he currently ranks fifth among edge rushers, trailing San Francisco’s Nick Bosa, the highest-paid edge rusher at approximately $34 million per year.

At 29, Garrett, a six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, has made the playoffs only twice in his eight-year career. He emphasized that his trade request is not driven by financial motives but rather a desire to compete at a higher level. “The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton,” Garrett said in a statement requesting the trade. “It has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.”

During a media appearance at the Super Bowl, Garrett expressed frustration regarding the Browns’ trajectory, saying, “I don’t think we’re aligned on where the team is going in the near future.” He cited a pressing urgency to maximize his competitive window as an athlete, stating his wish to “compete at the highest levels, day in and day out, and play for championships.”

Despite Garrett’s insistence on seeking a trade, Berry reiterated his commitment to maintaining the defensive star within the organization. “It would go to what I said before, where we don’t have an interest in trading Myles,” he stressed. Coach Kevin Stefanski also supported this sentiment, stating, “I expect Myles on our team this year, next year, and the year after that.”

The ongoing standoff reflects a deep-seated disconnect between Garrett’s goals and the team’s direction. The Browns, who finished the 2024 season with a disappointing 3-14 record, hold the second overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft and are under pressure to improve quickly. Given the situation, the potential for an extended negotiation process looms large.

As the drama unfolds, it’s clear that both Garrett and the Browns are standing firm in their respective positions, setting the stage for a turbulent offseason ahead. With other teams rumored to have interest, including the Philadelphia Eagles, the landscape of the NFL could see significant changes before the next season commences.