Cleveland Browns Adjust Myles Garrett’s Contract

The Cleveland Browns made a notable change to Myles Garrett’s contract on Wednesday. It’s one of those moves that could just be about managing the salary cap, but it also opens doors for potential trades in the future. When one of the league’s top players decides to alter his contract just a month before the NFL Draft, it’s hard not to speculate about what that might mean.

Garrett will have to wait until just before the season begins to receive his option bonus of $16.5 million, which pushes it past the June 1 deadline. This shift could allow other teams to create enough cap space to sign him while also easing some financial concerns for the Browns. Moreover, the way this contract is structured offers increased cap flexibility in the latter part of the deal—an important feature if a trade involving Garrett does come to fruition.

Now, this could simply be a standard accounting procedure, but the timing is certainly intriguing. With free agency winding down, the Browns find themselves with about $9 million in effective cap space. They didn’t *need* to make changes to Garrett’s contract, which raises the question of whether they’re considering trading him. Especially after recent NFL rule changes permitting teams to exchange draft picks over a longer timeframe.

If this is part of a broader strategy to move Garrett, which teams should we keep an eye on? It’s important to remember that Garrett has a no-trade clause, so any deal would require his consent. Luckily, there are multiple teams that could be in the mix.

The Rams appear to be a potential candidate, even though they might not need another pass rusher with their current lineup. However, there’s a sense in Los Angeles that the window for a Super Bowl is still open, especially while Matthew Stafford is still on the field. It could motivate them to take some risks.

There is a tangible chance that the Rams could bypass drafting another key position player to bolster their pass rush. This might mean shifting some of their current players into different roles, which could work out in the short term if it leads to acquiring Garrett.

Adding an element of intrigue, Garrett is currently dating Chloe Kim, an LA local, which might pique interest.

The Eagles are also in the conversation—they lost Jaelan Phillips to free agency and now require additional help in pass rushing. They have the cap space to maneuver, particularly if they decide to trade AJ Brown after June 1.

Fans in Philadelphia were hoping for Maxx Crosby, but why not aim higher? The Eagles don’t necessarily need draft picks to continue their success, given their solid history of drafting. This means they could be in a position to make a bold move like this one.

Garrett joining the Eagles would essentially place them in a dominant position within the NFC East. This could put pressure on rivals like the Giants and Commanders, especially if they’re trying to field a young quarterback against one of the league’s strongest pass rushers. Given the NFC West’s current dominance, acquiring Garrett could also bring the Eagles back into the mix for the NFC Championship.

Then we have the Seahawks. It may seem a bit unfair to include them, but they hold over $30 million in cap space and can manipulate contracts to make even more available. With their need for a major upgrade in the pass-rushing department, many mock drafts suggest they go after a pass rusher with their No. 32 pick. But why take a gamble when they could simply secure the league’s best defensive player and solidify their position?

This is such an intriguing scenario that I honestly wonder how the league would respond if it unfolds.

And, of course, let’s not overlook the other Super Bowl contenders from last year. They’re in a situation similar to the Seahawks, minus the championship. New England also has more than $30 million in available cap space and is on the lookout for an edge rusher. Given the AFC East’s aspirations to compete with the Bills, acquiring a dynamic rusher to keep Josh Allen in check would be a significant move.

The Patriots may not have the track record of some teams, but they could still offer a compelling destination for Garrett, who might feel like he’s been spinning his wheels in Cleveland.