There have been rumors of the Cleveland Browns potentially trading for top star Myles Garrett for the past few years. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year had also requested his exit a year earlier before receiving an extension from the team.
While general manager Andrew Berry is saying the right things and claims he wants Garrett to finish his career in Cleveland, several NFL insiders still believe a deal is possible, including Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio. On Friday, he made a reasonable case for why a trade should not be rejected and presented a compelling evidence.
"There was a recent contract amendment that delayed Garrett's offseason option bonus deadline from the 15th of the league year in March to seven days before the start of the regular season," Florio wrote. "Obviously, this allows the Browns to trade Garrett without paying the option bonus."
A Myles Garrett trade is still in play, and it could potentially happen right before or during this month's NFL Draft. If that were the case, let's take a look at six teams that could use their draft assets to acquire the seven-time Pro Bowler.
dallas cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys still have a big hole at the pass rush after trading Micah Parsons just weeks before the start of the 2025 season. They're hoping to fill that void with one of this year's top pass-rushing prospects. However, Garrett is not only a proven commodity, but he is arguably the best pass rusher in the game.
The Cowboys have two picks in Round 1, and an owner/general manager in Jerry Jones is always ready to make a bold move. Could George Pickens be added to a potential deal to help make money? After how poorly we performed on that side of the ball last year, it would make more sense to pay one specific player on defense rather than pay big bucks to three players on offense (Pickens, CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott).
New York Jets
The New York Jets were a disaster last season and need all the help they can get. So having two first-round picks this season is a big plus. However, they are a team in a major market, and bringing in box office stars will always appeal to ownership.
However, they could opt to give the Browns just one of their selections in Round 1 and instead offer first-rounders in future years. Which is not a bad thing. The chance to have the No. 2 overall pick and two picks in the top six this month will certainly interest Cleveland.
pittsburgh steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a league-leading 12 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including the 21st overall selection. They still have a solid chunk of salary cap space (via Over The Cap) to use for Garrett's contract.
The Steelers are not a franchise known for making big trades. And the Browns are unlikely to move Garrett within the division. But they may make an offer Cleveland can't refuse. Such as their first picks in 2026 and 2027, plus five or six more picks this year. Pittsburgh has five selections in Rounds 3 and 4 later this month.
jacksonville jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are tied for the second-most selections in this year's draft with 11. But the biggest issue with the trade proposal is that they don't have a first-rounder this year. Plus, they lack notable cap space. However, for a team that isn't that far away from becoming a serious force in the AFC, Garrett is a target you make risky moves for.
Might Cleveland be interested in a deal for their second and three first-rounders this year, as well as their first-rounder in 2027, as well as players like Brian Thomas and/or Travon Walker? It's worth a try to get the Browns on the horn and find out.
philadelphia eagles
The NFL should be horrified at the thought of Myles Garrett on the Philadelphia Eagles. Although it seems impossible, general manager Howie Roseman can never be underestimated. And as a team in the title race, giving up a late first-rounder won't be an issue. Additionally, adding a star receiver like AJ Brown to the deal would be a very interesting sweetener.
The Eagles trading for Garrett is a long shot, but it can't be completely ruled out as they look to capture their second title in three years.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders could be a serious contender for a Myles Garrett trade on draft night. According to Over the Cap, he has the seventh overall pick in the NFL Draft and approximately $50 million in cap space. After a surprising decline in 2025, Garrett is the superstar who can lead the Commanders back to the NFC Championship Game next season.
Washington has the resources and desperation to fight to make Cleveland a bold offer during the 2026 NFL Draft.
