Cleveland

Browns

Schefter detailed his conversation with the Browns while speaking to Pat McAfee, adding that the Browns “couldn’t have been stronger” in their remarks. Garrett’s recently reworked deal gives the Browns more salary cap flexibility, so this report makes sense. Could the Browns’ front office still listen to trade offers? Absolutely. For now, it sounds like the Browns plan to keep him, though.

Yates reports, “Garrett’s contract previously called for his option bonuses in 2026, 2027 and 2028 to be exercised by the 15th day of the league year.” Now, his contract has been amended to push that day back to seven days before the start of the regular season each year. Garrett also had $8 million of his 2029 and 2030 base salary converted to roster bonuses. Yates adds that “the payment of the option bonuses was also modified in a way that has benefit to Garrett.” So, the Browns gain flexibility while Garrett gets a boost. Most notably, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year’s contract is easier to trade; Cleveland takes less dead cap in the event of a trade while getting an extra five months in the offseason before paying bonuses for the next three seasons. The change in Garrett’s contract language certainly makes things interesting for the Browns’ future.

Diabate profiles as a run-stuff linebacker — his PFF grades in run defense have been his selling trait — and still has room to grow as he turns 25 this offseason. He’ll compete for a role in the Titans linebacker room after being non-tendered by the Browns this offseason.

Burton, 34, sat out all year after undergoing surgery to repair a hamstring injury he suffered in August 2025. Last we saw him in 2024, Burton was still playing well, earning a 75.8 PFF pass-blocking grade and a 70.3 PFF run-blocking grade.

The Browns did not tender Kamara before free agency, but have now opted to re-sign him. The 28-year-old lineman joined the Browns in 2022 and has appeared in 18 games over that span. Kamara has totaled 28 tackles and five TFLs while with Cleveland, and will likely be competing for a backup role this summer.

Wallace was a valued special teams contributor and pass-catching depth piece for the Ravens since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The 26-year-old has one touchdown reception each of the last two seasons and a punt return for a touchdown in 2023. He reunites with Todd Monken in Cleveland, where he will compete for special teams snaps.

Epenesa is a former second-round pick of the Bills, spending six seasons in Buffalo. He tallied 24 sacks over that time and intercepted two passes last season. The Browns bring in Epenesa to be depth on the edge, giving him a contract worth up to $5 million for the 2026 season.

Okwara first joined the Browns last offseason and spent the 2025 season on the practice squad. The 28-year-old is a former third-round pick of the Lions and had his best season in 2021, when he tallied five sacks with Detroit. He re-joins Cleveland and will compete for a role on the active roster.

Thomas got his start in the NFL as a fifth-round pick for the Jags in 2020. He made a few starts on defense in Jacksonville but made his money as a high-volume special teams contributor. Thomas signed with the Lions last year and saw a slight uptick in defense snaps while again playing plenty on special teams. Thomas could continue to see more work on defense as an occasional third safety in Cleveland.

There is a bit of an out in Labbe’s analysis, which is that this is contingent on Joel Bitonio returning to the team rather than retiring. Bitonio has yet to make a decision if he’ll return or not. If not, Jenkins and Zion Johnson would likely both play guard. Jenkins has said he’s open to playing either position to help the team.