The Cleveland Browns upset the Baltimore Ravens to earn their second win of the season on Sunday, but Jameis Winston and Co. aren’t likely to make a sudden playoff run. Having already shipped wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills, the Browns could consider other moves before the NFL‘s Nov. 5 trade deadline.
However, even if general manager Andrew Berry decides to trade other veterans, the Browns remain unlikely to part franchise stalwart Myles Garrett — even if other teams might be interested.
Browns Unlikely to Trade Myles Garrett at Deadline
Last week, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that rival clubs have contacted the Browns to ask about Garrett’s availability. However, Breer described those talks as “fishing” rather than serious conversations that could lead to a trade.
Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com subsequently reported that Cleveland has “no plans” to move Garrett before next week’s deadline. Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini said Garrett is on a list of players that “every team wants, but they aren’t for sale.”
Trading a likely future Hall of Famer like Garrett would represent a franchise-altering move for the Browns. Even if Cleveland isn’t competing this season, Garrett profiles as a dominant pass rusher for at least a few more years.
While he’s only posted four sacks through eight games, Garrett ranks second to injured Detroit Lions star Aidan Hutchinson in EDGE pass-rush win rate (31%). He’s tied for seventh at the position with 36 pressures.
Myles Garrett on his approach to #Browns fans heading into the #Ravens game after some cheered Deshaun Watson when he was injured last week: pic.twitter.com/IqoI46yRXS
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) October 25, 2024
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Garrett ranks second in sacks (92.5) and fourth in pressure rate (15.8%) since entering the league as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Cleveland structured Garrett’s contract with league-minimum base salaries attached. Technically, any team that acquired Garrett would have him under contract through 2026 for less than $4 million. However, in practicality, Garrett would likely request a new deal as part of any trade.
Still, it’s hard to imagine the Browns accepting any trade package that didn’t include two first-round picks. Garrett is that much of a game-changer on the defensive side of the ball.
For now, though, it doesn’t seem as though Garrett is in line to be moved before next week’s trade deadline.
Will the Browns Trade Anyone Else?
While Garrett may not be traded, the Browns still have other veteran players on their roster who could appeal to teams around the league.
D’Onta Foreman, RB
Potential fits: Cowboys, Vikings, Colts
Nick Chubb is back on the field, and D’Onta Foreman’s role in Cleveland will be reduced even further once fellow RB Jerome Ford returns from injury. RB-needy teams could do worse than a powerful option like Foreman, who’s making the league minimum.
The Dallas Cowboys are the most obvious club in need of running back help, but they might not be adding talent after falling to 3-4 on Sunday night. The Minnesota Vikings used RB2 Ty Chandler for zero snaps in Week 8, potentially signaling they’re in the market for an upgrade behind starter Aaron Jones.
Elijah Moore, WR
Potential fits: Steelers, 49ers, Buccaneers, Commanders, Chargers
Elijah Moore wouldn’t have the same impact for a new team as Cooper will for the Bills, but the pending free agent would be much cheaper to acquire.
Moore has always offered inside-outside versatility and has spent even more time in the slot (60%) in 2024. The former second-round pick managed 652 receiving yards in a Browns offense that was mostly broken last season.
Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin, OT
Potential fits: Vikings, Commanders, Texans
Cleveland is among the few teams that could offer offensive line help to contenders. Jedrick Wills Jr. is a pending free agent who’s never lived up to his first-round draft billing, while the Browns are surely willing to move on from the 30-year-old Jack Conklin.
The Vikings stand out as a potential suitor after they lost left tackle Christian Darrisaw to a season-ending injury in Week 8. Commanders left tackle Cornelius Lucas, who’d been splitting reps with third-round rookie Brandon Coleman, was in a walking boot after Sunday’s game.
Za’Darius Smith and Ogbo Okoronkwo, EDGE
Potential fits: Lions, 49ers, Falcons, Buccaneers, Eagles, Commanders
NFL Network recently reported that several teams have called on Browns pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, while ESPN’s Adam Schefter linked the Lions — who lost Hutchinson to a season-ending injury in Week 6 — to the Cleveland veteran.
Smith is earning just $1.21 million in 2024, while his next club would hold a de facto $4 million option for 2025.
Ogbo Okoronkwo has been a viable rotational rusher for the Browns this season, posting two sacks on 188 defensive snaps. He’s due roughly $1 million over the rest of the 2024 campaign. Like Smith, he’s under contract next year, so Cleveland might be able to get a late-round pick in exchange.
Quinton Jefferson, DT
Potential fits: 49ers, Vikings, Eagles, Commanders, Texans, Bills, Cowboys
Quinton Jefferson was also on NFL Network’s list of Browns players who have attracted phone calls. The 31-year-old posted at least four sacks and a 10% pressure rate each season from 2021 to 2024. He’s slowed down a bit this year (one sack, 7.4% pressure), but Jefferson should have suitors as an experienced interior player.