Myles Garrett Isn't Going Anywhere, So Let's Chill Out
Look, the NFL rumor mill is a beast. Every little whisper, every minor contract tweak, gets blown up into a full-blown trade saga. So when Adam Schefter dropped the news about Myles Garrett's contract modification, and then clarified on Pat McAfee's show that it was purely for cap flexibility, it shouldn't have surprised anyone. But for a few frantic hours, Cleveland Browns fans probably had their hearts in their throats, imagining their best player in another uniform.
Real talk: the idea of the Browns trading Garrett is absurd. He's not just a good player; he's a foundational piece, a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate year in and year out. He logged 14 sacks in 2023, his third season with 10+ sacks in the last four years. The guy finished sixth in DPOY voting last season, even with a late-season shoulder issue. You don't trade that. You build around that.
The Cap Space Hustle
Here's the thing about NFL contracts: they're not static. Teams constantly restructure, convert salary to signing bonuses, and push money around to create immediate cap space. The Browns, like every other team, need flexibility. They've got a lot of money tied up in Deshaun Watson's fully guaranteed deal – $230 million over five years, signed back in March 2022. They also signed Za'Darius Smith to a two-year, $23 million deal last offseason, and he chipped in 5.5 sacks next to Garrett. Managing that payroll, especially with a quarterback making north of $46 million annually, requires constant attention.
Schefter's report confirms what any logical person already suspected: this move was about making the numbers work. It's about having enough room to sign draft picks, potentially add a veteran depth piece before training camp, or roll over space into next year. It's the standard operating procedure for every competent front office. Anyone who thought this was a precursor to a trade simply hasn't been paying attention to how the league operates its finances.
Why Garrett is Untouchable
Let's break down Garrett's value beyond the raw sack numbers. He commands double teams, opening up opportunities for guys like Dalvin Tomlinson and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. When he's on the field, opposing offensive coordinators have to account for him on every single snap. In 2023, he also forced four fumbles, showcasing his disruptive ability beyond just getting to the quarterback. He’s the kind of player who elevates the entire defense, turning what could be a good unit into a great one. The Browns finished 11-6 last season, making the playoffs despite a carousel of quarterbacks, largely on the strength of that defense.
The Browns drafted Garrett first overall in 2017. He signed a five-year, $125 million extension in 2020. They've invested heavily in him, and he’s delivered. You don't just jettison that kind of production and leadership for a few draft picks, especially when you're trying to win now. This isn't a rebuilding team. This is a team with playoff aspirations, and Garrett is central to those aspirations.
The Browns' Real Focus
The real story for the Browns isn't some phantom Garrett trade; it's about Watson's health and performance, and how the offense gels under new coordinator Ken Dorsey. Watson played in just six games last season due to a shoulder injury, throwing for 1,115 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions. That's the variable that will determine their ceiling, not whether Garrett is still rushing the passer. He will be.
My bold prediction? Myles Garrett will win Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. The contract modification just means the Browns will have a bit more cash to put around him.