The NFL Draft is always full of surprises, but for Cleveland Browns fans, one potential first-round pick could signal a seismic shift for their defense. According to longtime ESPN Cleveland analyst Tony Grossi, if the Browns select Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with the sixth overall pick, it would be a clear indicator that superstar Myles Garrett is already on his way out.

Grossi, who has covered the team since 1984, was unequivocal in his assessment this week. He stated that drafting a pass rusher like Bailey or Miami's Rueben Bain would mean the Browns have a trade for Garrett lined up to be executed on June 2nd. "If the Browns took Bailey, that's a tip-off that they have a trade lined up with Myles," Grossi said. "Bailey would be the successor to Myles."

The speculation around a Garrett trade has been a constant drumbeat this offseason, fueled by the Browns' recent restructuring of his massive $160 million contract—a move that significantly eased the financial burden of trading the reigning two-time Defensive Player of the Year. The organization's silence from owner Jimmy Haslam and GM Andrew Berry on directly denying the rumors has only added to the intrigue.

Garrett is coming off a historic 2025 campaign where he set a franchise record with 23 sacks, making him one of the league's most coveted defensive assets. Teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks have been frequently mentioned as potential suitors. For a fanbase that has watched Garrett dominate, the idea of his departure is monumental, turning a routine draft selection into a potential franchise-altering announcement.