The NFL rumor mill continues to generate intriguing scenarios, and few names spark more speculation than Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett. A recent idea from Bleacher Report has added fresh fuel to ongoing discussions about potential blockbuster moves this offseason.
In a piece highlighting surprise trade candidates for the 2026 NFL offseason, Brad Gagnon included Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter among the players who could unexpectedly be on the move.
The Browns emerged as one of the primary teams that might pursue him, with the proposal involving a swap that sends Garrett to Philadelphia in return.
“(Carter) is actually coming off a down year, but an otherwise-loaded defensive team could use his trajectory and still-low salary to command one hell of a return,” Gagnon wrote.
Carter entered the league as the No. 9 overall selection in the 2023 draft and has quickly established himself as a high-potential force. At only 24 years old, he has already earned two Pro Bowl nods and contributed to Philadelphia’s impressive victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, earning him a championship ring early in his career.
Despite his accomplishments, Carter remains a figure who divides opinions across the league. His 2025 campaign was particularly turbulent—he was ejected prior to the opening play of the season for an incident involving spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Injuries combined with a suspension restricted him to just 11 appearances that year.
Statistically, he recorded 33 tackles and three sacks, along with a 60.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. Yet his raw ability to disrupt plays from the interior defensive line has rarely been in doubt.
Financially, Carter represents strong value for any team considering a major acquisition. He is set to count only $6.9 million against the salary cap in the upcoming season. Six years younger than Garrett, he offers long-term upside and the proven capacity to dominate when fully healthy and available.
On the other side of this hypothetical exchange sits Garrett, who inked a massive $160 million contract extension with Cleveland just last March. Any transaction involving him would necessitate his personal consent, as veteran players of his caliber hold no-trade protections.
Currently, there are no public signs that Garrett is advocating for a departure from Cleveland—nor is the organization actively seeking to move him. That said, joining a perennial contender like the Eagles could provide an appealing platform to chase additional titles.
The financial implications for the Browns add another layer of complexity to any deal. Moving Garrett would trigger a substantial dead cap hit that the Browns would struggle to absorb given their current salary cap situation. This makes a straight-up trade far more complicated than simply exchanging players.
From Philadelphia’s perspective, the focus appears to remain on building around their young core rather than breaking it up. Recent reports indicate the Eagles’ front office has placed a high priority on securing long-term commitments from key defensive linemen.
CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones noted that extensions for both Carter and fellow defensive tackle Jordan Davis have been at the forefront of their planning. Davis inked a significant new deal over the weekend, further signaling the team’s intent to retain its interior strength.
While this particular swap remains purely speculative, it underscores the ongoing intrigue surrounding two elite defensive talents in very different stages of their careers. Garrett embodies proven dominance and leadership for a Browns squad still searching for consistent success, while Carter represents youthful explosiveness and future potential for an Eagles team fresh off a Super Bowl triumph.
Whether such a seismic trade ever materializes will depend on shifting priorities, cap realities, and the willingness of both sides to pursue bold changes during the offseason.
