Garrett posted his full statement on the matter saying "The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete and win the Super Bowl."
The perennial four-time All-Pro and 2023 Defensive Player of the Year would instantly boost any team's defence to another level. He has posted at least 10 sacks or more for seven straight seasons. The only one he didn't? In his rookie year - one he still put up seven sacks in nine games.
Garrett is coming off another stellar season. His 14 sacks and league-leading 22 tackles for a loss are why he's currently up for the Defensive Player of the Year award for the third straight year.
Garrett contract implications
Garrett will be owed $19.7 million for the 2025 season and $25 million in 2026, according to Over The Cap, but with the majority of both being tied up in bonus money. However, if the Browns trade Garrett before June 1st, they will carry a whopping $36 million in dead cap - landing them in 'salary cap hell'.
If they traded him after June 1st, it would carry just over $20 million in dead cap. That being said, if Cleveland can get a deal done before the fifth day of the league year (March 16th), they'll save over $18.5 million in cap space since that would originally be his bonus for 2025.
As for the receiving team, the deal ends up rather favourable. They will receive Garrett, who has no guaranteed money left on his contract, and the acquisition won't deplete their cap space.
So in short, the Browns need to find a way to lessen the blow to their cap space while also getting the highest draft compensation imaginable to make up for it. Whoever acquires Garrett will make out like a bandit in terms of their cap situation.
Now, of course, it's highly likely whoever traded for Garrett will give him a new contract so worrying about cap numbers right now could be completely pointless - unless you're the Browns.
Coach Chuck Pagano, who was recently brought back to the Baltimore Ravens coaching staff, is already eyeing the division rival's star player.