Reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett found his name in trade rumors. After a season to forget for the Cleveland Browns, evaluating their future is Priority No. 1 this offseason. No stone must be left unturned for Cleveland with Garrett’s name popping up as a potential trade candidate.
Myles Garrett’s Future With the Cleveland Browns
Garrett is not going to be traded anywhere. Browns GM Andrew Berry stood firm and asserted that Garrett’s future is with the Browns.
“We want him to retire here,” Berry said regarding Garrett.
Browns GM Andrew Berry not interested in trading Myles Garrett: "We want him to retire here"https://t.co/8n8ATPdVYr pic.twitter.com/KllJNn9nnm
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) January 28, 2025
Garrett is an integral part of Cleveland’s defense. He is simply one of the best defensive players in the whole league. His importance to the Browns is huge and is why Berry is so adamant about keeping him around. He is a six-time All-Pro earning first-team All-Pro honors four out of the six times.
Garrett is set to be a free agent after the 2026 season. If he continues to play at the level he has, he will likely be due for one of the biggest extensions in NFL history next offseason, regardless of position. Berry seems ready to pony up the money to give him an extension to keep him in a Browns uniform until he retires.
“But I think you can assume that we do anticipate at some point doing a third contract with Myles,” Berry said.
He knows what losing Garrett would do to the defense and the franchise, so trading the star DE is not in consideration. The Browns’ defense was the best in the NFL in 2023, with Garrett leading the charge, and was the second-best unit since at least 2019, as far back as PFN’s Defense+ metric data dates. Even if a franchise came swooping in with two first-round picks, Berry is ready to decline the offer.
“Correct. You can put that on the record,” Berry said when asked if he would decline two first-round picks for Garrett. The Browns have no interest in moving off of Garrett, and he will likely be retiring in Cleveland. Their defense is their strong suit, and keeping it intact is paramount.
Finishing the season as the ninth-best defense in 2024 according to PFN’s Defense+ rankings, it is no secret that Garrett played a huge part in its success. In an attempt to support the league’s worst offense, the Browns’ defense had the best pressure rate without blitzing.
Upcoming Decisions for Browns GM Andrew Berry
There is reason for optimism as the Browns secured the second overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. With Travis Hunter-Tennessee Titans rumors reportedly gaining traction, the Browns could have their favorite pick of the quarterback class.
Current starting QB Deshaun Watson recently suffered a setback with his Achilles and could be doubtful to play next season. His large contract might also incentivize the Browns to go for a QB with the second pick.
Watson wasn’t very successful running the offense anyway. Leading the worst offense in the league, Watson showed little promise before he got injured. The Browns finished with an F grade in PFN’s Offense+ metric in 2024. They tried many options at QB and none panned out for sustained success. The Jameis Winston experiment was fun for a quick week or two but never amounted to any sustained success.
Berry’s looming QB decision will be important in showing Garrett a trajectory toward success. While he won’t be traded, he isn’t obligated to sign an extension in Cleveland, so Berry may have to nail this upcoming QB decision. With Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward looming as the top QB prospects in the draft, Berry will likely choose between one of these QBs to join Garrett in leading the Browns back to the playoffs.