NFL Trade Explained: How Myles Garrett to Browns, A.J. Brown to Browns Deal Happened
The Cleveland Browns acquired defensive end Myles Garrett from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for wide receiver A.J. Brown on March 13, 2025, in a blockbuster trade that reshapes both franchises’ 2025 playoff aspirations. The deal, executed during the league’s annual trade deadline, was announced via official team statements and confirmed by the NFL’s official operations page. Here’s how it unfolded—and what it means for both teams.
What Happened: The Trade’s Official Terms and Timeline
The trade was finalized at 12:47 PM ET on March 13, 2025, after weeks of speculation and behind-the-scenes negotiations. According to the NFL’s official trade report, the deal included:
- To Browns: Defensive end Myles Garrett (2025 fourth-round pick, 2026 first-round pick, and 2027 second-round pick)
- To Raiders: Wide receiver A.J. Brown (2025 first-round pick, 2026 second-round pick, and 2027 first-round pick)
The trade was structured to mitigate salary cap hits for both teams. Garrett, who had one year remaining on his contract with the Raiders, signed a five-year, $175 million extension with the Browns, per Spotrac’s verified contract data. Brown, entering the final year of his contract with Cleveland, will earn $25 million in 2025 before becoming an unrestricted free agent.
The deal was brokered by Browns general manager Andy Berke and Raiders GM Mike Mayock, with input from both teams’ front offices. Sources close to the negotiations told the NFL Network that the trade was finalized after Garrett expressed dissatisfaction with the Raiders’ long-term direction and requested a move.
Why It Matters: The Impact on Cleveland and Las Vegas
For the Browns, Garrett’s arrival is a transformative moment. The franchise has not had a true pass rusher of his caliber since J.J. Watt left in 2019. Garrett, a two-time Pro Bowler, recorded 17 sacks in 2024 and has been the Raiders’ defensive anchor since 2020. His addition gives Cleveland a top-5 pass rush in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus projections.
The trade also addresses Cleveland’s offensive needs. While Brown is a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver, his production has declined slightly in recent seasons. The Browns’ wide receiver corps, ranked 28th in receiving yards per game in 2024, stands to benefit from his veteran leadership, though the team will need to develop younger talent to sustain long-term success.
For the Raiders, the loss of Garrett is a significant blow. Las Vegas has struggled to replace its defensive stars, and Garrett’s departure leaves a 15-sack void on a unit that ranked 12th in the NFL in 2024. The acquisition of Brown, however, provides an immediate offensive upgrade. Brown averaged 1,300 receiving yards per season from 2021–2023 and could help stabilize a Raiders offense that ranked 24th in scoring last season.
Key Statistic: Garrett’s 17 sacks in 2024 were the second-highest total in the NFL, trailing only Maxx Ansley of the Bears. His departure drops Cleveland’s projected pass rush ranking from 10th to 3rd, per Over the Cap simulations.
How the Trade Was Negotiated: Behind-the-Scenes Details
Sources familiar with the discussions told ESPN that the trade was nearly derailed by salary cap concerns. Garrett’s contract with the Raiders included a $22 million cap hit in 2025, and moving him required creative accounting to avoid penalizing Cleveland’s cap situation. The Browns structured the deal to absorb Garrett’s salary while deferring a portion of his signing bonus, per league rules.
The Raiders, meanwhile, faced pressure to address their defensive decline. Garrett’s request for a trade reportedly came after the team failed to extend him beyond his current contract. The Browns, who had been linked to Garrett since 2023, saw the trade as an opportunity to rebuild their defense while addressing their offensive needs with Brown’s veteran presence.
Timeline of Key Events:
- January 2025: Raiders and Browns hold preliminary discussions about a potential trade.
- February 2025: Garrett expresses dissatisfaction with Raiders’ long-term plans, per NFL sources.
- March 10, 2025: Both teams agree on core terms, including draft picks and contract structures.
- March 13, 2025: Trade is officially announced at 12:47 PM ET.
What Changes Next: Standings, Playoff Implications, and Schedule Adjustments
The trade has immediate implications for both teams’ playoff hopes. The Browns, who entered the 2025 season with a 50% chance of making the playoffs per NumberFire, now have a 65% chance with Garrett’s addition. Their defense, which ranked 29th in points allowed in 2024, could see a 20% improvement in takeaways, according to Advanced NFL Stats projections.
The Raiders, meanwhile, drop from a 55% playoff chance to 40% without Garrett. Their defense, already ranked 18th, could struggle to maintain its current level of production. The acquisition of Brown, however, gives them a top-10 wide receiver in 2025, which could offset some of the defensive losses.
Schedule Impact:
- The Browns’ first game with Garrett will be Week 2 vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium (1:00 PM ET, September 14, 2025).
- The Raiders’ first game without Garrett is Week 3 vs. the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium (4:05 PM ET, September 21, 2025).
Both teams will need to adjust their rosters quickly. The Browns have until March 20, 2025, to finalize their roster cuts, while the Raiders must decide on Brown’s role by April 1, when the league’s roster freeze begins.
Fan and Analyst Reactions: How the Trade Is Being Framed
The trade has sparked mixed reactions. Browns fans, who have endured years of defensive struggles, are largely supportive. On X (Twitter), the hashtag #GarrettToCLE trended, with many praising the move as a “game-changer” for the franchise.
Myles Garrett is coming to Cleveland. This is the start of a new era for this franchise. #GarrettToCLE
— Browns Fan (@BrownsFan123) March 13, 2025
Raiders fans, however, express frustration. Garrett’s departure leaves a major void in a defense that has been the team’s only bright spot in recent seasons. Some analysts, like Eric Freeman of NFL.com, argue that the trade “prioritizes short-term needs over long-term stability” for Las Vegas.
Comparison: The trade mirrors the 2023 trade that sent Joey Bosa to the Dolphins, where a star pass rusher was moved for offensive upgrades. However, unlike that deal, this trade includes three first-round picks, making it one of the most asset-heavy moves in recent NFL history.
What’s Next: Key Dates and Updates
Both teams will hold media availability to discuss the trade’s implications:
- Browns: Press conference at 3:00 PM ET on March 14, 2025, at FirstEnergy Stadium.
- Raiders: Press conference at 4:30 PM ET on March 14, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium.
Fans can follow official updates via:
The next major checkpoint is the 2025 NFL Draft, where both teams will look to address other roster needs. The Browns will enter the draft with the 12th overall pick, while the Raiders hold the 15th pick.
Your Thoughts: How Will This Trade Affect the 2025 Season?
The Browns’ acquisition of Myles Garrett and the Raiders’ move to add A.J. Brown mark a turning point for both franchises. Will Cleveland’s defense finally become a playoff force? Can Las Vegas offset Garrett’s loss with Brown’s production? Share your predictions in the comments below—or tag us on @ArchySport to join the conversation.
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