Myles' Garrett's trade request has become one of the hottest topics of the NFL offseason, forcing the Cleveland Browns into a decision that will shape the coming years of their franchise.
A few weeks ago, Myles Garrett shocked NFL audiences, releasing an official statement that detailed a request to be traded. That of course spread like wildfire and now many are wondering how their team can get in on these sweepstakes.
But the Cleveland Browns have held firm on their stance, positing that they will not be looking into any moves for now.
Could the right price change that tune? Nothing would indicate that shift yet though the reality remains that any trade for Garrett would entail a significant return of picks for Cleveland.
The prospects of that haul and early phone calls from AFC and NFC teams have not swayed the Browns on this matter heading into free agency and draft season.
ESPN agrees with this strategy, noting the salary cap woes facing the franchise in their list of bold offseason moves. As Aaron Schatz writes, moving Garrett will not solve those problems.
"Trading Garrett would also be terrible for Cleveland's salary cap situation, which is already in bad shape because of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Roster Management System estimates the Browns to be $30 million over the salary cap.
"Trading Garrett would leave the Browns with at least $36 million in dead money and a loss of $16.5 million in cap space. If the Browns try to mitigate this by waiting until after June 1 to trade Garrett, they would have to pay him a $5 million roster bonus and get nothing in return."
Even with the expected salary cap increase for the 2025 season, the Browns clock in well over the cap. They have the second least room of all 32 teams in the league, so if moving perhaps the best defensive player in the league will not alleviate those issues, there is not much reason to force a trade.
So then we are not looking much at a bold strategy, as ESPN indicates, but more of a bold warning of the financial implications.
Cleveland has backed themselves into a corner with their cap restraints. Assuming the Browns struggle again next season, it is a frustrating situation for a star who wants to compete for championships.
