Myles Garrett‘s trade request came about in the wake of discussions over the Browns’ future. A renewed attempt to speak about the situation has led to the All-Pro meeting a roadblock. 
Garrett recently requested to meet in person with Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, who declined to do so, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. Haslam instead deferred to general manager Andrew Berry, with whom Garrett has spoken on several occasions. To no surprise, Pelissero’s report confirms both parties remain firm in their respective stances.
Garrett remains intent on engineering a change of scenery, as he is not interested in signing a Browns extension (something the team is prepared to authorize). Cleveland’s perspective, meanwhile, has not changed in the time since Garrett went public with his desire to be moved. Haslam, Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski have remained consistent in their bid to present a united front in not giving thought to a trade. That is clearly still the case given Haslam’s decision, although Pelissero notes Garrett is – at this point, at least – willing to miss games if it helps bring about a swap.
The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year played through a number of ailments this past season, appearing in all 17 games and recording 14 sacks. Garrett has earned a first-team All-Pro nod in four of the past five seasons, securing second-team honors in 2022. His decorated career has included a total of only three playoff games across two different years, however, and a path to immediate contention does not appear to be in place. Questions at the quarterback position in particular linger for the Browns.
As expected, the team has worked out another restructure of Deshaun Watson‘s contract. The controversial trade which brought him to Cleveland has not panned out, and the fully guaranteed nature of his pact has created financial issues for the Browns. A low-cost veteran addition could be in store soon as a result, and the No. 2 pick in April’s draft could bring about a new franchise signal-caller. In spite of the opportunities at the position, Garrett is eyeing a fresh start as prepares for his age-30 season.
Teams are reportedly prepared to offer packages including at least one first-round pick, and the Lions have been interested dating back to the 2024 trade deadline. In the event the Browns do begin contemplating a deal, the Eagles will be a team to watch closely. Cleveland did not speak with Garrett or his camp during the Combine, so it remains to be seen when any movement in this situation will take place. Given this latest development, both parties could continue waiting for a lengthy period as the EDGE market takes shape around them.
Oh yeah, that definitely seems like wise management behavior.
Why would any good to great FA want to sign there?
That’s why they had to give the contract they did for Watson. No one wants to sign there already
What a pitifully run franchise. Keep doubling down on the Watson mistake, an owner who won’t talk to your best player of the last few decades, and refusal to do the hard reset needed to have any hope of competing in the next 5 years.
“Babyyyy, can’t we just talk for a second?”
“NO! IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE ME THEN JUST GO!”
What happens first:
1) Humanity colonizes Mars
2) Peace on Earth
3) Browns become a respectable, well-run organization (not even talking Super Bowl)
The way that Haslam is, you’d think that Mars had colonized Earth first…
Haslam essentially saying I’m the owner, you work for me. I don’t care about your demands, take it up with someone I pay to deal with player issues.
Just a pathetic approach.
I used to think that the Pirates had the worst ownership in professional sports. Then I remembered this guy
A title now reserved for Manchester United.
Don’t forget the Carolina Panthers owner as well.
I dunno. Do they pick players based on The Show ratings? Because I know a guy…
Let’s not forget that Madden ratings are important for FA’s in the Big Apple.
Myles: I would like to be traded
Haslam: We want you to stay
Myles: OK, can we talk instead?
Haslam: No
Smart.
I’m sure the owner has tons of time from being a business man and running all his other stuff to just drop everything and talk with a disgruntled employee. Especially when I have a HC, GM, Team President who I pay to do all that. I know when I drove a gas tanker and I said look I want to talk to the person who runs Amoco I got an immediate audience. There was no red tape , No secretaries or anything I just I just walked in and said look, This has gotta change. I got the same response surprisingly. I couldn’t figure it out either.
I’m guessing when you drove a truck you weren’t the most valuable employee in the company like Garrett is to the Browns.
Kevin- And you’d be wrong. LOL
More like
Myles: I would like to be traded, stefanski trade me
Stefanski: no
Myles: ok I want out berry trade me
Berry: no, we’d like to sign you to a lucrative extension
Myles: not a chance
Berry: ok not trading you
Myles: Jimmy let’s meet face to face
Haslam: We want you to stay, have you changed your mind
Myles: oh god no, I just want to discuss what I’ll do if you don’t trade me
Haslam: no point in us meeting face to face then
What a loser.
Old schoolers like myself instinctively want to think “honor your contract, play out the season, then sign elsewhere” but the Tag System means the team can handcuff the player for at least another year.
I’ve posted here before that it overwhelmingly favors owners.
Using Higgins as an example:
rather than being able to sign a multiyear contract elsewhere, he’s been tagged for the 2nd time … but if he suffers an injury this season, while it impacts the team short term, the long term adverse impact on him dwarfs that.
… but the show must go on huh ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Darn… Higgins won’t ever be able to afford anything after those 2 20+ mil 1 year tags…
No one is claiming Higgins is poor because of this, but the Bengals playing with their food means he not only can’t get market value, but can’t have any semblance of long-term certainty or where he’ll even be living, let alone have choice in it.
This right here. That’s the truth. Most fans forget players are people as well… I get not feeling sorry for Millionaires fighting against billionaires. If he rips his knee out this year, yeah he get his guaranteed tag money, but that might be the end of his earning potential.
Over 40 million earned over 2 years he should be able to afford to live anywhere in the country. He can choose where to live permanently when he’s retired.
Or he can use the leverage he has to have a little agency in his life.
Well there you are trying to suggest that Tee Higgins is poorly paid at $26 million and should break his contract. Caught red-handed with your hands in the cookie jar.
Tee Higgins is a very good receiver but his pay on a second franchise tag exceeds his market value. The pay for two franchise tags is also about equal to any guarantees Higgins would have been offered before the first franchise tag started.
In fact a third franchise tag even at $26 million would be a win for Higgins, putting him in the company of Jaylen Waddle, Davante Adams, DJ Moore, Cooper Kupp, DeVonta Smith, Nico Collins, DK Metcalf, Deebo Samuel, Michael Pittman, Terry McLaurin, Calvin Ridley between $23-28 million/year.
If guarantees are what matter to him, Higgins could get a long term contract from the Bengals with lots of guarantees.
The franchise tag is part of the collective bargaining agreement. It does constrain players somewhat but at a high cost to the team, motivating both sides to agree to long term contracts, where the player stays in the original city to the delight of the (paying) local fans.
You clearly don’t believe in honouring one’s word, respecting contracts or the rule of law, Oooof. It will be a really lousy world if your values become the norm.
Dude Higgins would easily be offered $30+ million a year on the open market. You’re high if you think otherwise. He’s a true #1.
JFC dude. I never said he’s poorly paid or that he should break his contract. I have often said that all things being equal, Higgins belongs in the Smith/Waddle bracket of guys who would be number ones on many teams, but are high end number twos opposite elite receivers. But a key difference is those guys’ teams actually signed them to market extensions in a timely fashion. I’ve often said the Bengals cost themselves money by playing with their food instead of either signing or trading Higgins. Receivers as good and as young as he is almost never get this close to free agency, which will drive his price up.
I never said he shouldn’t honor his word or contract, not that I think there’s any honor in a second franchise tag. Nor wisdom. Franchising a guy twice is how Dak ended up the highest paid quarterback in football. It’s a stupid place for a team to put itself. And now Higgins has done certain things entirely within his power without “dishonoring” his contract, like switching to JaMarr Chase’s agent, which does more to force the Bengals’ hand.
And also that’s not what getting caught with your hand in the cookie jar means. What a bizarre comment, as is your rule of law comment. But last time we disagreed about the Bengals, you claimed the Eagles and Rams were foolishly run, so I’m used to weird comments from you. I don’t know what it is about me that makes you go kooky, but it sure seems like something is going on with you. Whatever it is, you can spare me your weird hostility.
Typical response from someone who thinks this team is even remotely ran well or deserves the benefit in any way. Pretty ridiculous comment.
I agree with the sentiment, and I think that Haslam is making a stupid decision. However, this situation is not similar at all to Higgins’ scenario.
Higgins played out his rookie deal, and wants the best opportunity to make money. Cincinnati wants him to stay but cannot afford him. It’s a financial disagreement, and it makes sense. Neither side has done anything egregious or immoral, at least to our knowledge.
Myles Garrett has played many years for the Browns, and granted, he’s made a lot of money. However, the Browns have also squandered some great opportunities and great rosters for some very head-scratching decisions-decisions that we fans question on our couches. Garrett’s disagreement isn’t about money, at least not that we know of. He wants to meet with Haslam to try and figure out if he wants to continue playing for a franchise that continually makes awful decisions.
If you know that you are going to lose an employee who produces at a high level and cares about your success, you should at least show the respect of doing so-especially if you want him. Obviously this can’t be done in every company, but if you have an opportunity, then you take it. This is especially true if you are or will soon negotiate with that employee. Remember, this isn’t like before-Garrett wants to leave, and Cleveland wants him to stay. Could they make him stay? Sure. But what kind of effort can they expect to get out of him?
What would be so hard about giving up some time to meet with Garrett and try to ease his worries or offer clarity? It’s just needlessly dismissive, especially when they want Garrett to stay and produce. If Garrett just demands a bunch of money, fine, tell him he’ll get an offer soon and it’ll be what the team feels that it can afford. But if Garrett truly does want to make the team better, or just wants to know if he’s being strung along, the better option is to just do the meeting. Perhaps the respect you show will mean something to him, perhaps it won’t, but the disrespect shown by refusing it will definitely have an effect on what he’s willing to do and what level he’s willing to perform to.
It’s extraordinary to look at the differences labor relations between the NBA and the NFL. In the NBA, ownership is slave to the talent (though there’s some indication that’s changing a bit) and always trying to cater to their every need just to keep them happy out of fear they may want out. In the NFL, the talent really is slave to ownership. Contracts aren’t really contracts, money isn’t guaranteed and with the franchise tag you literally have no leverage throughout your entire prime career. 4-5 years on rookie deal + 2 years on the tag and you are 28-30 before you ever hit free agency. Unless you’re a QB, your best years are behind you.
I’ve never understood how and why the nflpa always loses CBA negotiations.
This ain’t an NBA blog!
It is a comparison…try and open your mind.
Part of it is how many players there are and how short and fragile NFL careers are. NBA superstars drive the league, have greater longevity, and make up a higher percentage of the labor.
Yeah..this is why Cleveland ownership is a dumpster fire. Garrett asking for a trade at least gives ownership the ability to make the best deal they can. What if Garrett tells them: OK..don’t want to talk about this? How about I just announce to the world: I only want to go to Philly (or any club) and if you trade me somewhere else, I won’t agree to an extension. Garrett can get ruthless here…. its a bit unfair since he has a contract. But this is the NFL …. Then Cleveland loses all leverage. Sure, they could keep him, but he could sit a few games, take a bit of a loss, and then come back and play at a minimal level. He’s so good that teams would absolutely take a chance on him when he hits free agency. Cleveland needs to move him and get the best deal possible…
What is Garrett’s next move? Not show up for anything or does he get a good PR firm and start ripping the Browns publicly?
If he hasn’t directly said he will sit out to management, he should, and mention the next step is to go public, further eroding their leverage. Right now more people support his desire to leave than the Browns reasons for keeping him.
Not possible to make them have a worse reputation.
It must suck being a Browns fan.
Signed, a Browns fan.
So first this guy tries to get a dome in the middle of nowhere (because that always works out so well), then pisses off his only true franchise player with the decisions he makes and his stubbornness.
Then he refuses to meet with said player and convince said player he cares at all about winning.
Cleveland has looked like a team on the rise twice under his tenure and has managed to screw that up both times.
Apparently, the dysfunctional nature of the Browns possesses no limits.
The Atlanta Falcons have never in the history of the franchise had a defense. Maybe a few defensive players that were pretty good from time to time, but never a full defense. By picking up Myles Garrett they can begin to develop a defense for the first time ever. Then maybe just maybe they might have a chance of actually WINNING the Super Bowl. One can always dream…….
I get saying no to a meeting esp when both sides are intent on what they’re gonna do
Garrett wants out
Browns don’t want to trade him
But the right thing to do would be at least have a phone conversation or something
Garrett: hey Jimmy can we meet face to face?
Jimmy: are you reconsidering your trade demand and considering sticking around long term?
Garrett: oh god no not at all I want to tell you what I’m gonna do if you don’t trade me
Jimmy: well then there’s no point in meeting face to face youwant out we don’t want to trade you just be a waste of time.
Yeah, I see lots of comments bashing Haslam. I also think he is a terrible owner but I agree with his stance here. He pays his GM to handle these situations and he shouldn’t have the players thinking they can just bypass the GM and go straight to him when they are unhappy.
This is not different than what any other NFL owner would or should do.
Just think about it. The Browns were in a great spot couple of years ago. They had a ton of draft picks, Some great young talent in the building and a bright future. A couple of bad drafts, A really stupid QB decision and horrible Cap management later and it’s a train wreck with no way out and the rats jumping ship. One can only think of Charlie Brown trying to kick the football and Lucy pulling it away. Start over again. All that’s left.
At Uncle Mike, imagine if they just shut Baker down when he first got hurt and gave him a reasonable extension. Wonder how differently things would have worked out. Or if they just went cheap and rolled with Jacoby, he actually held it together for a while there.
This is what I’m saying!
Both times were under Haslam’s watch!
The only drafts they got right were 2012 (Manziel just didn’t care enough about football but he and Gilbert were both considered home run picks at the time), 2017, and 2018. Every other draft under him other than drafting Wills has been a dumpster fire.
I respect them for swinging for the fences on the Watson, OBJ, Landry, and Cooper trades but everything else has shown the opposite of caring about winning. Newsome, Greedy, Delpit, and JOK were good picks but other good picks have been few and far between.
The Browns have yet another chance to turn the franchise around and add genuine cornerstone players with the #2 pick but I don’t trust them to do it (and neither should Browns fans).
If they trade Myles, they can draft Hunter, Cam Ward, and a CB or OL in a first round stacked with them.
If they don’t trade Myles, they better hope Ward or Hunter are the real deal.
He’s to busy running a top knotch football organization. And it does matter when it’s your best player who happens to be the best defensive player in the NFL.
Easy as 1-2-3- Except the Falcons don’t have the Cap space to even trade for him without losing ALL of Cousins salary. Good luck wit dat.
We have Arthur Blank Check. He’s getting old and he wants to win a Super Bowl before he dies sometimes that’s all that matters.
What’s that got to do with it. Unless you’re saying the Falcons have a different Salary Cap than everybody else. You’re not are you?
Well, we gotta figure out what we’re going to do about the Kirk cousins fiasco first then we might be able to buy back the family farm
How was this guy ever allowed to become an NFL franchise owner? What’s the saying about a fool and his money?
I think having been part owner of an organization as stable as the Steelers probably convinced people that he would be a stable owner in Cleveland, but the same thing turned out to be untrue of David Tepper.
Tepper is an idiot but at least the guy makes his own decisions. I could be wrong but I’ve gotten the impression that Jimmy Haslam has to run every decision past his wife Dee for approval.
Should just trade him to the highest bidder. He doesn’t want to be there and you can get a good haul. Even thought the request is public, you should be able to drive up price
Why keep a guy who doesn’t want to be there.You’re nowhere close to competing.Take the huge hall you will get for him and add in the number 2 pick. My a lions traded Stafford when he knew we weren’t going to win with him.We got a huge hall for him and it revived the entire organization. Shoot the Browns should ask for Hendon Hooker and two first round picks. I can’t understand why Detroit doesn’t dangle him in a trade.
Hooker has his own issues, as has been widely reported
I just don’t understand the impetus to make somebody play if they don’t want to. Unless you’re a CEO and have, like, stockholders to answer towards, you shouldn’t be forced to work anywhere.
+ Do you really think you’re going to the SB in the next two years, really? Trade the dude. SMH
Myles will retire before playing another snap for the Browns.
You can’t make this stuff up. Only Haslam would refuse to take a meeting with his franchise player to attempt to smooth things over. They should just contract the Browns, give the city of Cleveland a whole new franchise in 5 years, and cross their fingers that’s enough to wipe the facepaint off this clown show.
Genuinely what is more important than meeting with one of the best players in franchise history
The Browns are gonna suck one way or the other so I see them keeping Myles Garrett whether he sits out games or not, they will not trade him and he cannot force them to let him sit if he sits he doesn’t get paid, he just gets older!
As always the worst run organization in the NFL
Such a bad look for CLE. Dude should just pull an AB, sign the record breaking extension with as much gauranteed $ as possible, and yhen immediately demand a trade and refuse to play
Don’t think Haslam is the stupid to fall for that….he didn’t make his money making bad money decisions like that…pretty obvious….unfortunately, these athletes make lots of money in a system that is ginned against them…buts that’s the league and it isn’t their game….its the owners…..
Purdy for Garrett and this years first
Giving way too much for Purdy