Myles Garrett Trade Chatter Ignites After OTA Absence

The Cleveland Browns could be forced to trade superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

Garrett requested a trade in February 2025, saying his goal was to win a Super Bowl and that he couldn't do so in Cleveland. However, despite requesting a trade, he ended up signing a massive four-year, $160 million deal one month later.

Yet, after another year of missing the playoffs, Garrett's name has come back up in trade rumors, especially with the star pass rusher not attending OTAs.

Ahead of training camp beginning in late July and the mandatory minicamp on June 9, Garrett's name has resurfaced in trade rumors, with insider Albert Breer of SI suggesting he could be dealt.

"I wouldn't rule anything out. And I've said this before, I think it makes sense for Cleveland to move Garrett now," Breer wrote. "Where you don't want to be is in a place where Garrett falls off, or his trade value tumbles because you waited too long, just as all the young talent comes together. So I'd look at it, for sure. And I wouldn't be stunned if, quietly, they have."

If the Browns had traded Garrett in April or May, NFL accounting rules would have forced them to swallow the entire $41.1 million dead money penalty all at once on their 2026 salary cap. However, after June 1, the Browns can split up the Garrett contract hit, taking $15.5 million in 2026 and $25.6 million in 2027, based on OverTheCap data.

If Garrett is indeed made available for a trade, several teams should be looking to acquire the star pass rusher. But which teams make the most sense?

What Teams Could Trade For Myles Garrett?

Although I think every NFL team would love to have Garrett on its roster, only a handful will likely pursue him due to the expected high cost.

Cleveland will be looking for multiple first-round picks in a deal, given the Browns could point to the Micah Parsons trade as a comparable. Meanwhile, Garrett has a hefty salary cap, making it hard for many teams to fit him under it.

Yet, I believe three teams make the most sense to acquire the Browns' superstar pass rusher.

1: New England Patriots

The Patriots reached the Super Bowl last season and will look to build on that success in 2026.

New England struggled to get after the quarterback in the Super Bowl, especially compared to the Seattle Seahawks, who sacked Drake Maye six times. The Seahawks' Sam Darnold was sacked just once on his way to completing 19 of 38 pass attempts for 202 yards and a touchdown during their 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots.

The Patriots are in a win-now mode, and with Maye still on his rookie contract, New England has the money to make a trade for Garrett work.

New England, meanwhile, has their first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, but one could be moved to acquire A.J. Brown. Yet, even if one is moved, the Patriots have their second and third-round picks in both years as well, which the team could use in the package.

2. Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears, like the New England Patriots, are in a win-now window with quarterback Caleb Williams on his rookie deal.

Chicago was rumored to be interested in trading for Maxx Crosby before he was dealt to the Baltimore Ravens. Although the trade was rescinded due to a medical issue, the Bears haven't pursued Crosby since.

Related: The Dallas Cowboys' 5 Worst Draft Picks in the Last 10 Years

However, the Bears still could use another pass rusher, and Garrett would immediately make Chicago's defense that much better. Last season, Chicago recorded 35 sacks, which ranked 22nd. Clearly, they need more defensive help.

The Bears, meanwhile, also have their first, second, and third-round picks in 2027 and 2028 to pursue a trade for Garrett.

3. Philadelphia Eagles

The last team that could look to acquire Garrett is the Philadelphia Eagles, who seemingly always look to pull off blockbuster trades.

Philadelphia reportedly looked to acquire Micah Parsons a year ago, so GM Howie Roseman is always looking at ways to improve his roster.

The Eagles, meanwhile, are also expected to trade A.J. Brown to the Patriots, which will free up cap space and also give them some assets to use in a potential trade for Garrett.

Philadelphia is one of the top teams in the NFC, and adding Garrett would make them even more of a Super Bowl threat.

More NFL:

• The Dallas Cowboys' 5 Worst Draft Picks in the Last 10 Years
• The Cleveland Browns' 5 Worst Draft Picks in the Last 10 Years
• Texans QB C.J. Stroud Unbothered by Contract Extension Talks
• NFL Insider Leaves Door Open for Browns' Myles Garrett Trade

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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 9:12 AM.