The Cleveland Browns have done ample back-slapping and glad-handing over what has been widely seen as one of the best NFL draft classes put together last week, and no doubt, there were plenty of holes filled over the course of those seven rounds–assuming some of the incoming players can actually play at their expected levels. But while the “A” grades are nice, the fact is, the Browns have two overriding issues these days that remain unresolved: They have no No. 1 quarterback, and they appear unsure where things are heading on superstar Myles Garrett.
The quarterback issue will play out with Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson battling in what is being called by GM Andrew Berry an “improved ecosystem” which is also known as having a better offensive line and some receivers who might be able to get open and catch the ball.
But the Garrett issue is one that is simply in a holding pattern. He did not, to the chagrin of coach Todd Monken, show for the team’s voluntary workout program last week, and Monken the revealed that he has not met with or even spoken to Garrett–they’ve only texted. Add to that the fact that the Browns and Garrett tinkered with his contract in March, and the speculation about his future in Cleveland lingers.
Browns Not Ready to Trade Myles Garrett
But, points out beat reporter Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland, if the Browns were intent on trading away Garrett this offseason, they probably would have addressed the pass-rusher role in the NFL draft. They didn’t.
In a mailbag on Tuesday morning, Grossi was asked if a Garrett trade could come back to the fore in the coming weeks. A post-June 1 timeline always made more sense as far as his contract goes, so … perhaps we are five weeks away from a deal?
But Grossi said that, no, the Browns are not expected to get any Garrett chatter kindling.
He wrote: Without drafting an edge rusher, I now believe the Garrett trade speculation takes a break. I think a post-June 1 trade is probably off the board. However, speculation will heat up prior to the Week 10 trade deadline if the Browns’ record is not good.”
Different Timelines Working in Cleveland
Still, it does make more than a little sense to at least weigh the possibility of a Garrett trade. The Browns are in an awkward position in which they are embarking on an offensive rebuilding project that is not likely to see playoff-level results until 2027 at the earliest. They can, and should, take steps forward this season, but this is not likely a playoff-caliber offense yet.
Garrett is 30. He wants to play in a Super Bowl, which was the genesis of the trade demand he made more than a year ago, before signing a record new contract with the Browns. This team is three seasons and a good bit of luck, at least, away from a Super Bowl. But the time the offense is rebuilt, Garrett will be 33.
Why not sell high on a Garrett trade?
Obviously, he is the best defensive player in the league, and the Browns are worried about parting with that. But having the best player in the league has still netted only eight wins in the past two seasons. It may be time for Cleveland to reconsider, maybe sooner than later.
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