Overview
- Garrett’s deal, which ESPN’s Field Yates reported Wednesday, now pushes option bonuses in 2026–2028 from mid-March to seven days before the regular season and shifts some later base pay into roster bonuses.
- Over The Cap’s breakdown says a trade would now carry about $41.09 million in dead money before June 1, or split to $15.53 million in 2026 and $25.56 million in 2027 after June 1, extending the practical trade window into late summer.
- Following Thursday’s TV appearance by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Browns’ message was unequivocal as he relayed the team told him they are 100% not trading Garrett this offseason.
- Garrett holds a no-trade clause that lets him veto any move, and his past comments stressed he wants to play for a contender after requesting a trade in 2025 before signing a four-year, $160 million extension.
- Analysts continue to map the market, projecting returns of two or three first-round picks and noting that an acquiring team could face about $32.5 million in 2026 cash with an estimated $9.14 million cap hit under the revised terms.