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Things are heating up in Cleveland, and not in a good way. The drama between star defensive end Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns is hitting new levels of messy after team owner Jimmy Haslam's odd reaction to Garrett's trade request. What started as a blockbuster demand last month is now a full-on standoff, and it's got everyone talking.
Garrett, the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, dropped a bombshell in February 2025 when he asked to be traded, saying, "My desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won't allow me to be complacent." With 102.5 career sacks and a hunger for a Super Bowl, the 29-year-old's tired of Cleveland's 3-14 struggles.
The Browns, though, aren't budging. GM Andrew Berry's been firm, telling reporters at the NFL Combine, "We're not interested in moving him." Sounds like a united front-until Haslam threw a curveball.
Here's where it gets wild: Garrett requested a sit-down with Haslam to hash things out, but the owner flat-out refused. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported, "Haslam declined Myles Garrett's request to talk... telling him to talk to GM Andrew Berry instead." For a franchise icon who's given eight years to Cleveland, that's a chilly response. Garrett's not taking it lying down either-he's reportedly ready to miss games in 2025 if he's not traded.
Browns owner's strange reaction deepens Garrett trade mess
Social media's buzzing with reactions. Some fans get Garrett's frustration after years of losing, while others think he's pushing too hard. Posts on X note how Haslam's snub could torch any goodwill left. One quipped, "Refusing to meet your best player? That's a bold way to tank morale!"
Meanwhile, Berry's sticking to his guns, saying on Good Morning Football, "We trust Andrew Berry to handle the situation." But with Garrett's camp slamming the door on contract extensions, per Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot, this feels like a standoff headed for chaos.
The Browns' quarterback mess-Deshaun Watson's injuries and cap hit-only adds fuel to the fire. Garrett's made it clear he's done with rebuilds, telling Rich Eisen, "It's not about money or records... You're ed for winning." Haslam's dodge has folks wondering if the front office is clueless or just stubborn. Either way, this saga's far from over, and it's getting uglier by the minute. Will Garrett force his way out, or will Cleveland hold firm?