With the Browns refusing to entertain trade talks, sources told Tom Pelissero that Garrett is prepared to sit out games if his request isn’t granted.
CLEVELAND — The tension between the Cleveland Browns and Myles Garrett has escalated.
According to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Garrett recently requested a meeting with team owner Jimmy Haslam—but Haslam reportedly declined to speak with him.
With the Browns refusing to entertain trade talks, sources told Pelissero that Garrett is prepared to sit out games if his request isn’t granted.
Garrett, a former Defensive Player of the Year, has been the face of the Browns’ defense for eight seasons. However, his desire to move on comes as Cleveland prepares for a crucial offseason, holding a first-round draft pick for the first time since 2022.
Mary Kay Cabot, a Browns beat writer for 3News’ partner Cleveland.com, posted on X that Haslam directed Garrett to speak with GM Andrew Berry instead.
Previously, on Feb. 3, in a statement shared with the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Cleveland.com’s Cabot and ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 29-year-old says while he’s “loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won’t allow me to be complacent. The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl. With that in mind, I have requested to be traded from the Cleveland Browns.”
During appearances surrounding Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Garrett doubled down on his desire to leave Cleveland, telling ESPN’s Super Bowl Sunday NFL Countdown show that he was “willing to do whatever it takes” to make a trade to a contender work.
Following Garrett’s trade request, Berry spoke at the NFL Combine, saying that the team plans to keep the All-Pro defensive end in Cleveland.
“He’s (Garrett) a huge part of our organization. He’s a really good person, an awesome player. Our stance has not changed. We can’t imagine a situation where not having Myles as part of the organization is best for the Browns,” Berry said at the start of his remarks at the NFL Combine.
Garrett has two years remaining on a five-year, $125 million contract extension. He finished the 2024 campaign with 14 sacks, becoming the first player in NFL history to record at least 14 sacks in four straight seasons.
3News’ Dave DeNatale contributed to this report.