In many ways, the NFL used to have a little more rigid timelines for when things happen. Not officially, the schedule allows for moves from the start of the NFL calendar to the trade deadline and then the end of the season. It just used to be that teams would make most of their major moves, whether that was in NFL free agency or trades, shortly after the league year opened.
Creative contracts and creative front offices have made things a bit more interesting year-round.
With the 2026 draft around the corner and Garrett not attending the start of voluntary programs, trade discussions have restarted in the media. According to Dan Graziano, the most likely outcome isn’t a trade or Garrett just sticking around, but an extension/pay bump of some kind:
An interesting third option given that Garrett signed a huge extension last offseason and has already seen an additional $8 million moved into an upfront roster bonus in the last two seasons of the deal. On the other hand, since Garrett signed his contract extension, he has been passed by four edge rushers getting paid more than him ($40 million) on a yearly basis:
Besides trying to keep Garrett happy, giving him another bump in pay one year after his big trade demand and media circuit saying why he wants out of Cleveland doesn’t seem to fit. Then again, there are some that do not understand why the team would trade Garrett, and others who don’t see a reason to keep him on the Browns.
A little illogical all around.
Do you think the Browns will really give Garrett a pay bump just one year after his recent extension? If so, how much do you think he should be making per year?
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