As NFL free agency approaches, discussions surrounding a potential Myles Garrett trade continue to heat up. The Cleveland Browns have been receiving multiple inquiries about the star pass rusher, with the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions frequently mentioned as potential suitors. However, NFL insider Tom Pelissero believes that both teams might not be the leading contenders for a trade due to financial concerns in the near future.
Pelissero pointed out that while the Eagles have some salary cap space thanks to several rookie contracts, the team will likely prioritize paying their key players in the near future. “Howie [Roseman] has done an incredible job drafting in recent years,” Pelissero said on “The Rich Eisen Show.” “But eventually, you have to pay Jalen Carter, Milton Williams, and Zach Baun. That additional financial commitment to land Myles Garrett—while not impossible—would push the salary cap to its limits.”
On the other hand, Pelissero also addressed the Lions’ potential interest in Garrett, highlighting Aidan Hutchinson as a major factor. Hutchinson has expressed a desire to play alongside Garrett, but Pelissero noted that Hutchinson will soon be due for his own big contract extension, which could make it difficult for the Lions to afford two high-priced pass-rushers. “The Lions will soon have to pay Aidan Hutchinson $35 million per year. No team, as far as I know, has two $35 million pass-rushers.”
As for the Browns, they seem to be dragging their feet on a potential Garrett trade. The team is unlikely to make a move before the summer, possibly holding off until after the 2025 NFL Draft. If Cleveland were to trade Garrett before June, they would face a $36 million dead cap hit. However, if they wait until after that date, the cap hit could be shared with the team acquiring Garrett.
The trade rumors surrounding Garrett continue to swirl, with various teams expressing interest, though no clear frontrunner has emerged. Any team that acquires Garrett will be on the hook for approximately $40 million over the next two seasons, as the star pass rusher is still under the five-year, $125 million extension he signed with the Browns in 2020, which runs through 2026.
