The Cleveland Browns have parted ways with two defining players: Joel Bitonio and Myles Garrett. With their exit, questions arise as to what the Browns’ financial statement looks like.

The Browns had restructured their former defensive end Garrett’s contract in March. The new financial arrangement not only made him tradable, but also benefited the Browns in the long run. Currently, he accounts for $21.374 million in dead cap. 

By choosing to trade Garrett to the Rams by the June 1 threshold, the franchise split the massive amount across two years. It is divided as $15.5 million in 2026 and about $25.5 million in 2027.

According to Browns expert Daniel Oyefusi, the Browns saved $8 million in 2026 cap savings. 

Bitonio, who was their long-time guard, left the Browns with a $23.504 million in cap space. His contract was voided in March, but he had re-signed earlier and eventually retired.

Together, Garrett and Bitonio account for $44.878 million of dead cap hits in 2026, according to SB Nation. 

The salary cap placed on the Browns for the 2026 season is $301.2 million. As for their dead cap, it ranks second in the NFL at $116.8 million, trailing the Miami Dolphins, who have a whopping $172.2.

While these numbers seem like a huge challenge to overcome, the Browns might benefit from the dead cap of both former players.

“Now, it’s actually a tool that teams plan out to a degree to get a player for cheaper before cutting ties with them later in their contract,” SB Nation reported on June 13.

The Browns executed a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Rams with Garrett. Now, general manager Andrew Berry has revealed what went behind it.

GM Andrew Berry States Browns Got Lucky With Myles Garrett Trade

Last week, ESPN’s Peter Schrager sat down with Cleveland Browns’ general manager to talk about the Myles Garrett trade. He revealed the criteria he had set for this exchange, which happened with the Los Angeles Rams.

“(The deal) would have to help us short and long term, we would have to have a young, cost-controlled star at a premium position, and three the draft pick considerations,” Berry said on The Schrager Hour. 

Garrett was placed under a no-trade clause when his contract was restructured earlier in March. The Browns were not looking to give away Myles, at least this season, Berry stated.

“We weren't necessarily planning on this to be the primary path for us this offseason,” he was seen saying in an X post shared on June 10. “And we were not only fortunate that Les reached out, but that his track record, the Rams’ track record, how they were positioned.”

Garrett had a long career with the Browns, and former guard Joel Bitonio even longer. As the Browns navigate this season, it will be under the influence of their dead caps. 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar