Cleveland Browns’ star defensive end, Myles Garrett, has made it clear that he is not open to a contract extension with the team, according to reports from Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Despite the Browns’ willingness to offer Garrett a record-breaking deal that could reach $40 million per year, he remains firm in his stance. The Browns have publicly stated that they will not trade him, but his dissatisfaction and refusal to sign an extension have fueled ongoing speculation about his future with the franchise.
Garrett’s Holdout Threat and Its Long-Term Impact on the Browns’ Future
Garrett’s desire to leave Cleveland is not motivated by financial gain. As one of the league’s premier defensive players, he is confident that he could secure a lucrative contract from most teams. Instead, his primary focus is on winning a Super Bowl, something he believes the Browns are not in a position to accomplish in the near future. As he enters his age-30 season, he wants to maximize his prime years by playing for a legitimate championship contender rather than being part of another rebuild in Cleveland.
Myles Garrett (NFL)The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year is coming off another dominant season, recording at least 14 sacks for the fourth consecutive year. He set a personal best in tackles for loss in 2024 and earned his sixth Pro Bowl and fourth first-team All-Pro selection.
His elite production makes him one of the most valuable defensive players in the NFL, and if the Browns were to entertain trade offers, they would likely receive a historic haul of draft capital. However, the financial impact of trading Garrett presents challenges, making a potential move even more complex.
Garrett’s Holdout Threat and Its Long-Term Impact on the Browns’ Future
If neither side budges, the situation could escalate into a prolonged standoff. Garrett may opt to skip offseason workouts and training camp, and if the dispute continues, he could even hold out into the regular season. While such holdouts have historically not favored players, Garrett’s willingness to forgo salary if it means securing a trade could shift the dynamics in his favor. Additionally, his relatively low 2025 cap hit would make him an attractive trade target for numerous teams looking to bolster their defense.
The Browns face a difficult decision that could have lasting repercussions beyond Garrett’s departure. If they refuse to grant his trade request, it could damage their reputation among players around the league. Many teams value a culture of player empowerment, as echoed by Steelers coach Mike Tomlin’s philosophy of wanting “volunteers, not hostages.”
How Cleveland handles this situation could influence future free agents’ willingness to sign with the team. If the Browns reassess their roster after free agency and the draft, they may ultimately decide that trading Garrett is the best path forward for their long-term success.
