Myles Garrett Does Not Expect To Be Traded; Browns Receiving Calls On Za’Darius Smith

Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett have been floated as potential trade chips ahead of this year’s deadline, and in either case a deal being worked out would amount to a blockbuster. The latter made it clear on Friday he does not see himself being moved, however.

“I’ll be playing here,” Garrett declared when asked about his future with the Browns beyond the November 5 deadline (via Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com). With the team sitting a 1-6 on the year, a seller’s standpoint – beyond the decision to trade away wideout Amari Cooper – would come as no surprise. Teams have called about Garrett’s availability, but no consideration is being given to a move sending him (or three-time Pro Bowl corner Denzel Ward, for that matter) elsewhere.

Garrett, 28, has been banged up this season but he has managed to play every game to date. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year has posted at least 10 sacks every year since 2018, and is currently tied for the team lead this campaign with four. With term left on his contract (one which could very well be extended with the arrival of a raise and new guarantees this offseason), it would be challenging for any contending team to swing a deal.

“I hope not,” Garrett added when asked about hypothetically playing for another team at some point. “I’ve always said I want to play here to the end of my career. I want to win here. I want to bring a championship here, so that doesn’t cross my mind… No one should be worried about the situation with Amari and how that affects them. We’re still here.”

While a trade involving Garrett would be highly surprising, fellow edge rusher Za’Darius Smith could be on the move soon. The 32-year-old is not a pending free agent, but without any guaranteed salary due in 2025 he could be considered a rental by an acquiring team. Smith’s recent remarks made it clear he is open to a trade, and connections have emerged linking him to the Aidan Hutchinson-less Lions. Cabot confirms the Browns are receiving calls on Smith, so a longer list of candidates to add (or perhaps reunite with) him could emerge in the coming days.

Smith shares Cleveland’s team lead in terms of sack production, and he has reached double-digits in that regard three times in his career. With the Browns since the 2023 offseason, he could be on the move relatively soon; that is very unlikely to be the case for Garrett, though.