Step by step, how the Bills can realistically execute a blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett
There’s always money in the banana stand, and the Buffalo Bills should be doing everything in their power to see what it would take to acquire superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns. Just one year ago, the All-Pro edge defender requested a trade away from the Browns, but the team never entertained […]
There’s always money in the banana stand, and the Buffalo Bills should be doing everything in their power to see what it would take to acquire superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns.
Just one year ago, the All-Pro edge defender requested a trade away from the Browns, but the team never entertained it, and it resulted in a three-year extension worth $120 million. Just one offseason later, after a disastrous 5-12 performance from the Browns, it appears that the door is actually open for a team to move in on the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Garrett and the Browns agreed to adjust his $29.2 million option bonus from March 25 to seven days before the season begins in September. It will also happen with each year remaining on the contract running through the 2030 season.
As Brandon Little from A to Z Sports explained, this move, combined with the fact that the Browns have requested a rule change to allow draft picks to be traded up to five years in advance, makes it clear the team is open to trading the difference-maker on defense, and Buffalo should be calling.
Myles Garrett to Buffalo would be immediate fireworks
Since 2023, Garrett is fifth in the NFL in terms of highest quarterback pressure rate, sitting at 17.3%, falling just behind Micah Parsons, Will Anderson Jr., Trey Hendrickson, and Nik Bonitto. He had 23 sacks, 60 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles in the 2025 season with Cleveland.
First things first, Buffalo would need to find ways to clear some more cap space, but they have a few restructures available on the team that would allow them to do exactly that. Obviously, the first one that comes to mind is that of offensive lineman Dion Dawkins. For now, we’re going to pretend the salary cap doesn’t exist and just entertain what it would look like to acquire Garrett.
Much like when Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby was traded and then the Baltimore Ravens went back on the trade, it’s going to cost a king’s ransom to bring in Garrett to Buffalo.
For this mock situation, we have Buffalo shipping off their 2026 first-round pick and their 2027 first-round pick in hopes of getting the deal done with Cleveland. Even two first-round picks likely wouldn’t be enough to get the job done, but I don’t know if Beane will swing more than that.
He’s a true game-changer, and the front office has been vocal about swinging for the fences if they think it’ll help the organization. Garrett would do more than just help in defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard’s new scheme; he would thrive in it. Pairing Bradley Chubb and/or Greg Rousseau with Garrett on the outside of the defensive line would be a nightmare for opposing coordinators.
In terms of his contract, it’s going to cost Buffalo a pretty penny if they were able to swing a trade for Garrett. However, with Garrett waiting until right before the season begins to receive his $16.5 million option bonus, it allows other teams to have enough open cap space to sign him while getting the Browns off the hook to cough up the cash.
And that’s exactly why this isn’t just some wild offseason fantasy; it’s the kind of swing that defines a championship window.
If Beane truly believes this team is one move away, this is the move. You don’t hesitate, you don’t nickel-and-dime it, you go get the guy who can wreck a game on his own. Because if Buffalo is serious about getting over the hump, this is the type of decision that finally puts them there.
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