Myles Garrett was traded to the New York Jets on 7 Jul 2026, and former Browns lineman Joe Thomas immediately called the move the right one, even as he admitted it hurts to see a teammate leave.
What happened?
The Browns announced the deal on Tuesday, sending Garrett to the Jets in exchange for a 2027 first‑round pick and a veteran safety. The transaction was completed at 3:15 p.m. ET, ending months of speculation about the defensive end’s future in Cleveland. Garrett, 30, left after ten seasons, 1,200 tackles and 140 sacks with the team.
Why does Joe Thomas defend the trade?
Thomas, now a broadcaster, told ESPN that the Browns needed to reset their salary cap and acquire draft capital. He said the franchise’s long‑term health outweighs the short‑term loss of a star pass‑rusher. "We’re building for the future," Thomas explained, noting that the 2027 pick could become a cornerstone on the offensive line.
How will the trade affect the Browns?
Cleveland’s defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, confirmed the team will rely on younger players like Julius Brents to fill the void. The Browns’ pass‑rush rank slipped from 4th to 9th in the last week of the season, and the trade could push them further down the NFL’s defensive rankings. Yet the front office believes the cap space saved—approximately $18 million—will allow them to sign a top‑tier quarterback.
What does this mean for the Jets?
New York’s head coach Robert Saleh praised Garrett’s veteran presence, saying his experience will help a young defensive line develop. The Jets expect Garrett to add at least eight sacks this season, a figure that would place him among the league’s top five pass‑rushers. Saleh also hinted that the additional cap room could be used to sign a free‑agent wide receiver before the trade deadline.
How fans are reacting
Browns supporters flooded social media with mixed emotions. Some expressed disappointment, posting clips of Garrett’s highlight‑reel sacks. Others applauded the front office’s boldness, citing the need for a fresh start after a 7‑10 finish last season. On the Jets side, fans celebrated the acquisition, creating memes that paired Garrett’s image with the phrase “Game‑changing.”
What comes next?
Garrett will report to the Jets’ training camp on 15 Aug 2026, where he will compete for a starting spot alongside Quinnen Williams. The Browns, meanwhile, will host the Pittsburgh Steelers on 12 Sep 2026, marking the first game without Garrett on the defensive line. Both teams will be under the microscope as the NFL season approaches, and analysts will watch closely to see if the trade reshapes the AFC North power balance.
Myles Garrett’s move marks one of the most talked‑about transactions of the offseason, and Joe Thomas’s endorsement adds a layer of intrigue that will keep fans and pundits debating for weeks.