Garrett Gets His Security: Browns Finally Do Right By Their Star
Cleveland just made a smart move, even if it feels a little late. The Browns and Myles Garrett officially tweaked the language in his contract this week, a quiet but significant development for the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. For a guy who's been the cornerstone of that defense since 2017, it's about time his deal reflected his undeniable value and, more importantly, offered him some peace of mind.
Look, Garrett signed a monster five-year, $125 million extension back in 2020. At the time, that was top-of-the-market money for an edge rusher. But the NFL salary cap has exploded, and other pass rushers have since eclipsed that figure. Nick Bosa got five years, $170 million last summer. T.J. Watt pulled in four years, $112 million in 2021. Garrett's $25 million average felt a little light, especially after he put up 14 sacks in 2023, his second-highest career total. The man consistently delivers double-digit sacks, with 16 in 2021 and 10 in 2022, and he's been a Pro Bowler in five of his seven seasons. This isn't just about the money, though. It’s about the perceived commitment from the team to its best player.
The Cap Space Shuffle
Here's the thing: this isn't a new extension, and it's not a pay raise in terms of annual average. What it *is* is a restructuring that converts some of his future salary into a signing bonus, creating immediate cap space for the Browns. They just cleared around $12.86 million, according to reports. That’s crucial for a team that was tight against the cap, especially after signing Jerry Jeudy to a three-year, $52 million deal in March and shelling out for Za'Darius Smith’s return. This move gives Andrew Berry flexibility to potentially add another piece before training camp, or roll over space for next year. It’s a tactical maneuver, pure and simple, but it also sends a message to Garrett.
And that message? We value you, and we’re willing to adjust to make sure you feel secure. Garrett has been vocal in the past about wanting to retire a Brown. This new language, which reportedly moves some injury guarantees around and pushes money forward, locks him in even tighter. He's now guaranteed through the 2026 season for injury, which is a big deal for a player whose game relies so much on explosive athleticism. Missing time with a shoulder injury in 2022 showed him how quickly things can change.
Garrett's Place in History
Myles Garrett isn't just a great player; he's becoming a Browns legend. He holds the franchise record for career sacks with 88.5, surpassing Clay Matthews' 62 in 2023. He's been the one consistent, dominant force on that defense through multiple coaching changes and quarterback rotations. The man has carried that unit on his back at times, like in the 2020 playoff win against the Steelers where he had a sack and two tackles for loss. He's the kind of player you build a franchise around, and frankly, the Browns haven't always treated him with the reverence he deserves off the field. This contract tweak feels like a step in the right direction, acknowledging not just his performance, but his standing.
My hot take? This modified deal won't be the last. Garrett will sign another, larger extension before his current contract expires, easily pushing his average annual value over $30 million. He's too important, too dominant, and too much of a leader to let walk.