Myles Garrett Trade Talks Continue to Heat Up as NFL Free Agency Approaches

Cleveland Browns Fielding Offers for Star Pass-Rusher

As the NFL free agency period nears, Myles Garrett’s name continues to dominate trade discussions. The Cleveland Browns have reportedly received numerous inquiries about their star pass-rusher, with the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions frequently emerging as potential suitors. While both teams could significantly benefit from adding a player of Garrett’s caliber, financial constraints and future roster planning may ultimately prevent a blockbuster deal from materializing.

Eagles Face Financial Hurdles in Pursuit of Garrett

The Eagles have been one of the most talked-about teams in trade rumors, with their aggressive front office always looking for ways to improve the roster. However, NFL insider Tom Pelissero has pointed out that the team’s long-term financial obligations could prevent them from making a serious push for Garrett.

Philadelphia currently has the salary cap space to absorb Garrett’s contract, thanks in part to several key players still being on rookie deals. However, that flexibility won’t last forever. The Eagles will soon need to pay defensive standouts like Jalen Carter and Milton Williams, both of whom are expected to command massive extensions. Pelissero noted that prioritizing those future deals may outweigh the immediate temptation of acquiring a superstar pass-rusher.

“Howie Roseman has drafted unbelievably well in recent years,” Pelissero said on The Rich Eisen Show. “Eventually, you gotta pay Jalen Carter. You gotta pay Milton Williams, who is about to get a bag in free agency. You gotta pay Zach Baun… At some point, all that additional money to go and get Myles Garrett—I’m not saying it’s impossible, but you’re talking about really bending physics in terms of the salary cap.”

The Lions Have a Similar Problem

Detroit has also emerged as a team heavily linked to Garrett, with defensive end Aidan Hutchinson reportedly expressing interest in playing alongside him. However, as Pelissero pointed out, Hutchinson is due for a massive contract extension of his own.

The former No. 2 overall pick is already eligible for a new deal, and his price tag is expected to reach $35 million per year. Given that no team in the league currently carries two pass-rushers at that salary level, it remains unlikely that the Lions will be able to afford both Hutchinson and Garrett in the long run.

“It’s the same thing with the Lions,” Pelissero explained. “They’re going to have another $35 million-per-year pass-rusher in Aidan Hutchinson in the not-too-distant future. He’s eligible for a contract extension right now… No team I’m aware of has two $35 million pass-rushers on their team.”

Browns Taking Their Time with a Potential Trade

Despite the persistent trade rumors, the Browns appear in no rush to move Garrett. With free agency looming, Cleveland is reportedly holding off on making any major trades, likely waiting until after the 2025 NFL Draft before making a final decision.

A key financial factor in their decision is the dead cap hit associated with trading Garrett before June 1. Moving him early in the offseason would cost the Browns $36 million in dead cap space. However, if they wait until after that date, they can split the cap hit with the receiving team, making the move far more manageable from a salary cap perspective.

While fans may want a resolution sooner rather than later, all signs point to the Browns waiting until late summer to make any moves. In the meantime, nearly every defense-needy team in the league has been linked to Garrett in some capacity, fueling speculation about where he might land.

The Price Tag for Garrett’s New Team

Whichever team eventually lands Garrett will be taking on a significant financial commitment. The former No. 1 overall pick is still playing under the five-year, $125 million contract extension he signed in 2020, which keeps him under team control through 2026. Any team acquiring him would be responsible for roughly $40 million over the next two seasons.

While the Browns continue to hold firm on their asking price, the demand for elite pass-rushers remains high. Whether Garrett stays in Cleveland or finds a new home in Philadelphia, Detroit, or elsewhere, his presence will have a major impact on the NFL landscape in 2025 and beyond.