Despite his public request for a trade and the allure he holds across the league, the Cleveland Browns remain staunchly opposed to trading star defensive end Myles Garrett.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the team’s stance has not softened since Garrett’s trade request.
“The stance is still a hard no. I checked on that this morning,” Fowler revealed on Thursday’s SportsCenter. “They have no plans to trade him. That’s been their sentiment since he made the trade request a few weeks ago.”
Garrett, a six-time Pro Bowler and the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 has made it clear he wishes to compete for championships, voicing his frustrations and desires for a new environment where he can play on “the biggest stages.”
Despite this, inquiries from other teams have been few, with Fowler noting, “Teams are going to try, but I was actually told that not a lot of teams have inquired so far, in part because they know the answer is ‘no’ right now.”
Teams’ reluctance to pursue Garrett more aggressively stems from Browns general manager Andrew Berry’s firm resistance to trade discussions. Berry’s hefty price tag for any potential trade underscored this position.
Berry previously stated that it would start with two first-round picks as a baseline. This valuation reflects Garrett’s critical role in the Browns’ defensive schemes and his impact on the field.
As the offseason progresses, the Browns might face increased pressure to reconsider their stance, especially if Garrett decides to escalate his efforts for a trade by opting for a holdout. A lot still needs to play out before a resolution is reached, making his future in Cleveland uncertain, to say the least.
With offseason workout programs approaching in April, the situation remains a significant storyline as the Cleveland Browns navigate their relationship with one of the NFL’s most dominant defenders.
