The Cleveland Browns didn't alter Myles Garrett's contract to orchestrate a trade involving the star pass-rusher, according to general manager Andrew Berry.
"If we wanted to trade Myles, we wouldn't have needed to make a contract adjustment," Berry said Sunday at the NFL's annual league meetings in Phoenix, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. "So, it doesn't have anything to do with that."
The Browns reportedly moved back Garrett's option date to seven days before the start of the regular season in each of the remaining years on his deal. That was among multiple changes, specifically in how those options will be paid out, that would hypothetically make a post-June 1 trade more attractive to the Browns.
The 30-year-old has been a pillar of the Browns franchise since being drafted first overall in 2017. He's grown into one of the league's most feared pass-rushers, recording 125.5 sacks, including a NFL-record 23 sacks last season.
Garrett, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and the Browns were on uncertain terms last offseason after he demanded a trade. However, the two sides eventually found common ground in the form of a four-year, $160-million extension.
"Myles is a career Brown," Berry added. "He is one of the faces of our organization. I think we've been very clear both past and present in terms of our feelings. I understand all the questions. I'll be honest, I don't really want to waste a ton more breath on the topic."
