Heals are being dug in, and the standoff between the Cleveland Browns and star defensive end Myles Garrett is getting ugly.
Garrett, who requested a trade from the Browns in early February, has been steadfast in his wish to leave but the team has been unwilling to play ball.
NFL Network reported that Garrett, 29, requested a meeting with team owner Jimmy Haslam, who apparently rejected the offer to talk.
Cleveland.com further reported that the Browns owner told Garrett that inquiries to meet should be directed to general manager Andrew Berry.
Garrett has said this is not about the money, just that he wants a chance to win.
He added that he is not interested in any contract extension with the Browns.
The Browns, though, don’t see themselves as that far off from being a contender.
He’s “part of the present. He’s part of the future,” head coach Kevin Stefanski previously said.
Garrett has just two years left on his four-year, $125 million contract, after which he will become a free agent, although the Browns do have the ability to franchise tag him if they choose.
The Eagles have been linked to Garrett, though NFL Network noted that may be more of a pipe dream.
The Browns were hoping to compete for a Super Bowl when they traded for Deshaun Watson and gave him a wild contract extension.
After going 11-6 in 2023, the Browns looked like a shell of themselves in 2024, going 3-14 and obtaining the second pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
