Garrett's Contract Shuffle: More Than Just Cap Space?
Adam Schefter dropped a little nugget this week, telling Pat McAfee the Browns’ recent contract tweak with Myles Garrett was all about cap flexibility. No trade coming, he said. Just a little accounting magic to make room for, well, whatever the Browns need room for. On its face, it makes sense. Every team fiddles with contracts to manage the cap. The Browns, sitting with about $7 million in cap space before the move, certainly aren't flush.
But here’s the thing: when you’re talking about a player like Myles Garrett, the guy who led the league with 18 sacks in 2023, you don't just "flex" his deal for giggles. This isn't some rotational lineman. This is a foundational piece, a Defensive Player of the Year. It smells a little too neat, too clean. Teams usually only touch these kinds of deals for two reasons: a long-term extension, which this wasn't, or to grease the skids for something bigger. Schefter says no trade, and I believe him. But "cap flexibility only" feels like half the story.
The Cost of Elite Defense
Look, Garrett is worth every penny of his five-year, $125 million deal signed back in 2020. He’s been a force since the Browns drafted him first overall in 2017. He’s got 88.5 career sacks in 100 games, including at least 10 sacks in six straight seasons. That kind of consistent dominance is rare. The guy is a game-wrecker, plain and simple. He commands double teams, opens up opportunities for everyone else on that defensive line, and can single-handedly change the complexion of a game. Remember his two-sack, two-forced-fumble performance against the Ravens in Week 10 last year? That was a clinic.
So, when a team adjusts the deal for a player of Garrett's caliber, it’s not just about moving money around. It’s about signaling intent. It could be about clearing space for a future extension for Amari Cooper, who's entering the final year of his deal. Or maybe for Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who is also up after 2024 and played a huge role in their defensive success. The Browns have some big decisions coming, and Garrett's contract is a huge chunk of their financial pie. This move makes those other moves easier. And that’s what "flexibility" really means.
What's Next for the Browns' D?
Cleveland's defense was legitimate in 2023, finishing first in total defense, allowing just 270.2 yards per game. Garrett was the engine. But they also lost Za'Darius Smith in free agency, who had 5.5 sacks last year. They brought in Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, who had 4.5 sacks for them in 2022, but he's no Smith. They’re still a stout unit, but they need to maintain that edge.
My hot take? This "cap flexibility" isn't just about maneuvering for next year’s free agency. It’s about being ready to pounce if a star becomes available via trade before the deadline. The Browns are in win-now mode with Deshaun Watson, despite his struggles and injury history. They've invested heavily. You don't get a DPOY like Garrett and just sit on your hands. They're looking for another piece, a big one, to push them over the top. This contract tweak isn’t just about 2024; it’s about making sure they can strike when the iron is hot.
Building Around a Superstar
The Browns have a clear strategy: build an elite defense and hope the offense can do enough. Garrett is the cornerstone of that strategy. His contract, which now reportedly includes some converted salary to a signing bonus, frees up about $12 million in cap space for 2024. That's not insignificant. That's enough to sign a solid veteran receiver if injuries hit, or perhaps even a starting-caliber safety.
But the real play here, I think, is bigger. They're setting themselves up to be buyers. They want to contend for a Super Bowl, especially with the Bengals and Ravens in their division. You don't make a move like this on your best player for small potatoes. I predict the Browns will make a significant in-season trade for an impact player on either side of the ball, using this newfound cap space to seal the deal. They aren’t just creating flexibility; they’re clearing the runway.