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The Cleveland Browns are doing their best to shut down trade speculation involving Myles Garrett, and while that might be discouraging for a team like the San Francisco 49ers to hear, given their need for pass-rush help, does Cleveland’s stance intend to remain that way?
On March 25, ESPN reported, citing league sources, that the Browns and Garrett agreed to modified contract language that became official on March 24. Moreover, it’s because of these changes that there’s trade speculation now regarding Garrett.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry was quick to dismiss any talk of trading Garrett while speaking to the media on March 29.
“Myles is a career Brown,” Berry said (h/t Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com). “He is one of the faces of our organization. I think we’ve been very clear both past and present in terms of our feelings.”
Despite Berry saying that Cleveland has no interest in trading Garrett, Tom Withers of 92.3 The Fan believes this stance could change.
“This to me, and whether the Browns are doing this intentionally or not, is a signal; it’s the bat signal to the rest of the league that we’re open for business, come talk to us,” Withers said in a April 2 video from 92.3 The Fan. “The drive‑through window is open. Make us an offer we can’t refuse.
“I’m not saying that they’re shopping him — they’re not — but I think they’re making it palatable, if that’s the right word, for teams to come inquire and take a look at the menu, take a look at what’s on the rack. He has been quiet, though.”
49ers Shouldn’t Hesitate Paying Price for Myles Garrett
Nonetheless, if Withers’ assessment of the Garrett situation is accurate, then it’s one the 49ers need to monitor. If the Browns again struggle in 2026, could the pass rusher be available at the trade deadline later this year?
Regardless of the asking price, David Lombardi, who covers the 49ers for the SF Standard, noted that any team, whether it’s the Niners or someone else, shouldn’t have an issue paying it, given Garrett’s status.
“I think with Myles Garrett, this is as close to a perfect defender as you can find in his prime,” Lombardi said on March 27 on his YouTube channel. “Because of that, if he does actually hit the trade market, as he demanded to hit last year, he can and should go for one of the greatest costs we’ve ever seen. I think there’s a good chance he’ll be worth whatever that cost ends up being.”
Browns Would Be Better Off Trading Myles Garrett
Moreover, Lombardi believes that given where the Browns are with their roster, Cleveland could finally decide to stock up on picks and rebuild, especially since many believe the 2027 class will be a loaded QB class.
“If you’re the Cleveland Browns, you could logically step back and say, ‘Hey, the 2027 draft looks loaded, especially at quarterback. Maybe, with Myles Garrett at 30, it makes sense to stockpile major draft capital, particularly first-round picks, because his value might never be higher than it is right now,’” Lombardi added.
“He’s coming off a sack record and still has prime years ahead of him. He’s built like a Greek god. At this point, Cleveland could get a king’s ransom for him and use that to fully reset a roster that has been cash-strapped after giving Deshaun Watson one of the worst contracts in NFL history.”
Eduardo Razo Eduardo Razo is a sports writer for Heavy.com, covering the NFL, MLB, and college football. He has previously covered the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB for NBC Sports Washington and NBC Sports Bay Area & California, and has freelanced for PSG Talk, covering Paris Saint-Germain. He also worked as an editor at Athlon Sports, focusing on MLB and the NFL. More about Eduardo Razo
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