#HeyTony: Why won’t the Browns just say, ‘We’re not trading Myles Garrett?’

Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.

Hey Tony: Why is it so hard for Browns to say five simple words -- We will not trade Myles! -- and put to rest the read between the lines debate? Can’t we fans get a little peace?

-- Aaron, Toledo, OH

Hey Aaron: At NFL meetings, Andrew Berry was asked a simple question: ‘Can you state unequivocally that you're not trading Myles Garrett?’ This was his response: ‘I'd say this: Myles is a career Brown. He is one of the faces of our organization. I think we've been very clear both past and present in terms of our goals. I understand all the questions. I'll be honest, I don't really want to waste a ton more breath on the topic.’

Hey Tony: If -- and a big IF -- Myles is traded, would you demand 3 1st round picks or 2 1st round picks and a young player that is proven and could contribute immediately?

-- Andrew, Arlington, TX

Hey Andrew: I would demand three No. 1s, which could be two No. 1s plus a player previously drafted in the first round … plus another 2027 pick. Securing as many high picks in 2027 would be the priority. A No. 1 and No. 2 in 2027 would be an important part of the total package.

Hey Tony: How frustrating was it to hear Andrew Berry provide non-answers about the Browns’ willingness to trade Myles Garrett instead of just being credible and acknowledging it. 

-- AJ, Avon, OH

Hey AJ: There is a skillset needed to maximize a trade of this magnitude. I’m not sure Berry can pull it off.

Hey Tony: Would drafting Jeremiyah Love at 6 help improve the offense?

-- Joe, Cambridge, OH

Hey Joe: Yes … but … Using high picks on running backs in back-to-back drafts feels dysfunctional.

Hey Tony: Should the Browns use No. 6 on a blue chipper, regardless of position, then address OT /WR at 24, 39?

-- Mike, Charlotte, NC

Hey Mike: It truly depends on who’s on the board when they select. One new thought in my mind: If edge rusher David Bailey of Texas Tech is there at No. 6, Browns should contact the Cowboys and deal it for No. 12 and a high pick in 2027. Then use No. 12 on the best left tackle, No. 24 on best wide receiver, and No. 39 on best cornerback.

Hey Tony: Was Jimmy simply trying to save face when he walked back his “swing and a miss” statement considering Watson may end up playing this year? Seems like he wanted to smooth things over a bit and prepare fans for what may be coming.

-- Ethan, Richmond, VA 

Hey Ethan: Haslam and Watson are fine, despite his biting comments a year ago. The second part of your question is true. The Browns know there is a potential PR problem if Watson beats out Shedeur Sanders. That may be mitigated only if Watson looks really, really good when he gets back on the field.

Hey Tony: Do you think the Browns will be more interested in acquiring draft capital instead of top draft talent?

-- Bob, Wooster, OH

Hey Bob: Not “more interested,” but certainly interested in acquiring some 2027 picks.

Hey Tony: If Deshaun Watson magically turns back the clock to 2020 and leads the Browns to 11+ wins, throws for over 4k yards and wins Comeback Player of the Year, would it be the biggest comeback in Cleveland sports history? (I realize it's not bigger than Cavs, 3-1).

-- Neil, Mentor, OH

Hey Neil: It would be a hell of a story, for sure.

Hey Tony: Will Dawand Jones be the starting left tackle game 1?

-- Russ, Alliance, OH

Hey Russ: Geez, at this point, maybe.

Hey Tony: Any interest in bringing Njoku back at a lower salary as the market is bearing that out? And, any interest in signing Chubb to vet min as a short yardage specialist?

-- Mike, San Antonio, TX

Hey Mike: I don’t feel either scenario will play out. But never say never.

Hey Tony: Did the Browns make a mistake not trying to acquire Jaxson Dart last year? Rebuild would have been further along.

-- Cory, Columbus, OH

Hey Cory: Obviously, yes. I liked Dart as the No. 2 QB after Cam Ward. It’s very difficult to criticize the Browns’ 2025 draft -- except for their decisions on quarterbacks.

Hey Tony: With all the excitement around Deshaun Watson coming back healthy, do you think the Browns may bring training camp back to the Greenbrier?

-- Josh, Ooltewah, TN

Hey Josh: You know I’ve checked into it. Unfortunately, no, they won’t be returning to the Greenbrier. Miss that place. Almost heaven, West Virginia.

Hey Tony: Is there an update on Joel Bitonio status?

-- Dave, Fairlawn, OH

Hey Dave: Who?

Hey Tony: What is the future of the Rooney rule?

-- Tony, Tucson, AZ

Hey Tony: Despite objections by the Florida attorney general that the Rooney Rule violates Florida state law, Commissioner Roger Goodell said, “We've evolved it, changed it. We'll continue to do that.”