Myles Garrett had one of the most solid defensive seasons last year, finishing with 23 sacks, an NFL single-season record, and picking up his second ‘Defensive Player of the Year’ after first winning it in 2023. But this season, things seem a bit different.

He has stayed away from the Browns’ voluntary workouts, which could end up costing him the $1 million bonus that is tied to his contract. The stipulation is that he is required to be present for 84.375 percent of the offseason. Since he has already missed a part of it, that now looks less guaranteed.

But Browns HC Todd Monken did not seem too concerned about it. Speaking to reporters last Wednesday, he said, “Myles will be ready. I’m not worried about Myles.” He also said that while every player’s presence is better and even important from a strategy point of view, “from a work standpoint, not so much.”

Garrett had asked for a trade earlier in 2025 before signing his extension, and the Browns have made changes to his contract since then. They deferred his option bonuses (2026–28) from March to September and converted $8M base salary into roster bonuses for 2029–30.

These changes gave the Browns a bit more flexibility with the contract. They don’t force the team to trade Garrett, but they make a trade a little easier if they ever want to do it. That’s why the trade talk is still floating around.

Does This Make a Myles Garrett Trade More Likely?

The contract changes have made things easier if the Browns ever decide to do that trade. Earlier, trading Myles Garrett before June 1 would have cost the Browns a massive $70.3 million dead cap hit. Now, that hit has dropped to around $41 million, which is much more manageable.  

The Browns can also spread the remaining money over two years: about $15.5 million in 2026 and $25.5 million in 2027. This gives them more breathing room and flexibility to decide when (or if) they want to make a move.

The Browns missed the playoffs, and that usually brings bigger questions around the roster. Garrett’s value is as high as it gets after last season, so the option is there if they want to use it as they are not being pushed into a trade.

Garrett is still one of the best pass rushers in the league, and nothing has been decided yet. Do you think he gets traded, or does Cleveland keep him? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Rudra Dubey

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi