The Cleveland Browns are one of the worst teams in the NFL this season, but they have a franchise tentpole on the roster in reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and he is off-limits to anyone who comes calling.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry spoke with media members on Wednesday, Nov. 6. During that session a reporter asked him directly if the team ever considered trading its star pass rusher amid rumors that the vultures were circling Cleveland's talented defense.
"No," Berry responded.
The concise and definitive nature of Berry's answer stood out starkly against the backdrop of the rest of his press conference, which was full of vague and wordy answers as he tried to sidestep tough questions about the decisions he has made as general manager
Berry was largely deft in his ability to dodge some of the hotter topics of the day, though he also cracked a bit when asked if Deshaun Watson might ever play quarterback for the team again.
Cleveland had been firm in its position that Watson was the starter, and would remain so, throughout the 1-6 start to this season. However, Berry's tone softened considerably on that position compared to what head coach Kevin Stefanski said over the past several months. That is likely in no small part because Watson is now out with a season-ending injury for the second consecutive year.
"I think that's always possible," Berry said in response to whether Watson will ever start another game, or even play another snap, for the Browns.
The quarterback is under contract for the next two years and carries a salary cap hit of $73 million in both of them. Berry chose to fully guarantee that deal when he traded three first-round picks and three m
