Myles Garrett's trade request from the Cleveland Browns is at the top of several minds around the league, as trading for the former Defensive Player of the Year could potentially change a franchise.
Garrett has been one of the best players in the sport during his eight years with the Browns, but publicly requested a trade earlier this month, citing a "desire to win."
The Browns have said that they do not intend to trade Garrett, and general manager Andrew Berry reiterated that point this week at the NFL scouting combine.
"We’re not interested in moving him," Berry said, via ESPN's Adam Schefter.
In an effort to emphasize that his trade demand is not rooted in money, Garrett is now making it clear that he does not want to sign a contract extension.
According to Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot, Garrett is "not open" to an extension with the Browns.
Cabot also says that Garrett's camp has "slammed the door" on negotiations, suggesting that he is simply not open to playing for the Browns.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that he expects Garrett to be on the roster next season, despite his trade demand and now his reported refusal to even discuss a contract extension.
“As you know, I think the world of Myles,” Stefanski said on Wednesday.
“I understand the business of football and I understand these things happen from time to time. But I expect Myles on our team this year, next year, the year after that, and so on. He’s a part of the present, he’s a part of the future."
Stefanski also said that the Browns are aligned with Garrett's goal of winning a Super Bowl, but it appears that Garrett feels he won't be able to compete in Cleveland.
The Browns have been to the playoffs three times since 2000, and they've won once. Garrett was on the team for two of those appearances, and he's also been around for the bad times, like the 2024 season.
Neither side appears to be willing to budge on their stance in this situation, and we'll see if the stalemate continues into training camp and beyond.
