Myles Garrett Trade to Bears: Browns Update & Details

The NFL offseason rarely produces a storyline as seismic as what is unfolding in Cleveland right now. Myles Garrett — a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, arguably the best pass rusher in football — may be on the move. As of April 3, 2026, trade speculation has reached a fever pitch, with the Chicago Bears emerging as the frontrunner in a blockbuster deal that could reshape the NFC North. The situation escalated dramatically when Browns owner Jimmy Haslam confirmed at the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix that Garrett is not expected to report when voluntary workouts begin on April 7. For a franchise that has publicly called Garrett "a career Brown," that admission speaks volumes.

Why the Myles Garrett Trade Rumors Are Dominating the NFL Offseason

This is not a slow news day rumor. Multiple credible outlets published trade proposals on April 3, 2026, all pointing in the same direction: Myles Garrett wants out of Cleveland, and the Browns may finally be listening. The situation has been quietly building all offseason, but several developments have converged to make a trade feel more realistic than ever.

First, the Browns reworked Garrett's contract to push back option bonus payments — a classic front-office maneuver that reduces dead cap liability and makes a player significantly easier to trade. Second, NFL insider Benjamin Allbright reported that the Browns had been unable to reach Garrett since hiring Todd Monken as head coach. Third, Garrett had not yet spoken face-to-face with either Monken or new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg as of early April 2026. That communication breakdown is a red flag that goes beyond typical offseason noise.

This is not the first time Garrett has signaled his desire to leave. He requested a trade during the 2025 offseason but ultimately signed a new four-year, $160 million deal instead. The fact that the situation has deteriorated again — this time with a new coaching staff and a contract structure that makes him more movable — suggests the underlying tension never truly resolved.

The Chicago Bears Trade Proposal Explained

According to reporting from Yahoo Sports and Heavy.com, the proposed trade package from the Chicago Bears is substantial enough to give Cleveland's front office serious pause. Here is what the deal would look like:

• Bears send: No. 25 overall pick (2026), No. 60 overall pick (2026), a 2027 first-round pick, DE Dayo Odeyingbo, and a 2026 sixth-round pick back to the Bears
• Browns receive: Two 2026 draft picks, a future first, and a proven pass rusher

The ask is steep, but recent trades have set a precedent for elite pass rushers commanding massive returns. The failed Maxx Crosby deal (Raiders-Ravens) and the Micah Parsons trade, which fetched two first-round picks plus a starter, have established a market baseline. By that standard, a two-time DPOY coming off a 23-sack season should command at minimum what Parsons returned — and the Bears package may actually clear that bar when the future first is factored in.

For Chicago, the allure is obvious. The Bears are in win-now mode with young talent on offense and a front office willing to be aggressive. Adding Garrett would instantly transform their defensive line and make them a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

The Communication Breakdown Between Garrett and Cleveland's New Regime

Perhaps the most telling detail in this entire saga is the communication gap. According to Heavy.com, NFL insider Benjamin Allbright reported that the Browns had been unable to reach Garrett since bringing in Todd Monken as head coach. That is an extraordinary situation for a franchise player under a $160 million contract.

Part of the disconnect traces back to Garrett's close relationship with former defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who resigned after being passed over for the head coaching job. Schwartz and Garrett had developed a strong professional bond, and Schwartz's departure clearly stung. With Schwartz gone and an entirely new defensive staff in place — including new coordinator Mike Rutenberg — Garrett has had no in-person conversations with either of his new coaches heading into the spring.

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam addressed the situation directly at the NFL owners meetings, confirming Garrett's absence from the April 7 voluntary workouts. While Haslam did not frame it as a crisis, the acknowledgment itself is significant. Voluntary workouts are just that — voluntary — but star players who are happy with their teams typically show up.

What Garrett's No-Trade Clause Means for Potential Destinations

One critical factor that limits Cleveland's flexibility is Garrett's no-trade clause. He cannot be shipped anywhere against his will, which means any deal requires his sign-off. Garrett has been clear that he is only interested in joining a team with genuine Super Bowl aspirations — he is not interested in a lateral move to another rebuilding franchise.

That narrows the field considerably. According to MSN Sports, the timing of any trade is also affected by the contract restructuring, with certain windows being more financially advantageous than others for Cleveland. The Bears check the box of a contender, which is why they have emerged as the primary trade partner in most proposals.

Other teams theoretically in the mix would need to offer both a compelling package and a legitimate championship window. That combination is rare, and it is part of why most serious trade discussions keep circling back to Chicago.

The Browns' Official Stance — and Why It May Not Hold

Publicly, Browns GM Andrew Berry has pushed back hard on trade speculation, calling Garrett "a career Brown" and describing him as a "unicorn" — a player whose combination of athleticism, production, and character is essentially irreplaceable. As reported by MSN, Haslam has also framed the relationship as ongoing and resolvable.

But front offices always say the right things publicly. The contract restructuring tells a different story. Teams do not quietly rework contracts to make a player more tradeable if they have no intention of trading him. The front office is hedging, keeping its options open while maintaining plausible deniability.

The reality is that Cleveland is in a difficult position. They have a 23-sack defensive end who may not want to be there, a new coaching staff he has not met, and a fan base that would revolt if he were dealt for anything less than a king's ransom. The pressure on Berry and Haslam to handle this correctly is immense.

What a Garrett Trade Would Mean for Both Franchises

For the Cleveland Browns, trading Garrett would be a franchise-altering decision in the worst possible way — unless the return is genuinely transformative. Two first-round picks and a proven edge rusher like Odeyingbo would give Cleveland building blocks, but replacing a 23-sack DPOY is not something that happens overnight. The Browns would likely spend years trying to fill the void.

For the Chicago Bears, acquiring Garrett would be the kind of move that defines a front office's legacy. Pairing him with their offensive talent would make Chicago one of the most complete rosters in the NFC. It would also send a message to the rest of the league that the Bears are no longer rebuilding — they are competing.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Myles Garrett Trade Situation

Is Myles Garrett actually going to be traded?

As of April 3, 2026, no trade has been completed. However, the convergence of contract restructuring, communication breakdowns, and Garrett's expected absence from voluntary workouts suggests the situation is more serious than previous trade rumors. A deal is plausible but not yet imminent.

What is Myles Garrett's current contract?

Garrett is signed to a four-year, $160 million deal with the Cleveland Browns. The Browns recently reworked the contract to push back option bonus payments, which reduces their financial liability and makes a trade structurally easier to execute.

Does Myles Garrett have a no-trade clause?

Yes. Garrett holds a no-trade clause in his contract, which means he must approve any trade. He has indicated he would only waive it for a team with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, significantly limiting the pool of potential destinations.

Why is Garrett skipping the Browns' voluntary workouts?

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam confirmed Garrett is not expected to attend voluntary workouts beginning April 7. The reason appears tied to the broader disconnect between Garrett and Cleveland's new coaching staff. Garrett was close with former DC Jim Schwartz and has not yet met face-to-face with new head coach Todd Monken or new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg.

How many sacks did Myles Garrett record last season?

Myles Garrett recorded 23 sacks in the 2025 season, reinforcing his status as the premier pass rusher in the NFL and the reigning two-time Defensive Player of the Year.

Conclusion: A Trade That Could Change the NFL Landscape

The Myles Garrett trade saga is the defining storyline of the 2026 NFL offseason. A generational talent, a fractured relationship with new team leadership, a contract restructuring that signals front-office flexibility, and a Bears trade proposal too rich to ignore — all of these elements have collided in the days leading up to the NFL Draft. Whether Cleveland ultimately deals its cornerstone defender or finds a way to repair the relationship remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the status quo is no longer tenable. Keep watching this space closely, because the next move in this chess match could come at any moment.