Browns Pass Rusher Becomes Highest-Paid Non-Quarterback in NFL History
After a tumultuous start to their offseason, the Browns have settled things down. The team has agreed to terms with Myles Garrett on a record-breaking contract extension. NFL insider Adam Schefter broke the news just before noon on Sunday. It was reported that Garrett’s contract will average $40 million per year over four years and comes with $123.5 million in guaranteed money. This deal now makes the premier pass rusher the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, surpassing fellow edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who recently signed a $35.5 million per year extension.
The tables have turned on Garrett, who requested a trade just over a month ago, citing his “desire to win.” Clearly, money talks as he is now willing to take his chances of playing more seasons of losing football in Cleveland. Many rumors circulated, with the Bills and Eagles emerging as contenders to acquire the six-time All-Pro. Despite the rumors, the Browns never approved Garrett’s trade request, believing that they could work out a deal with him, and they were right. There’s no saying for certain if Garrett will truly be happy in Cleveland if they continue to accumulate losing seasons, but the contract as well as the guaranteed money was certainly a sweetener in getting him to stay.
2017’s first-overall pick has already put together a Hall of Fame career in Cleveland. In his career, Garrett has compiled 102.5 sacks, 116 tackles for loss and 20 forced fumbles en route to All-Pro selections in every season but two. The former Texas A&M Aggie is eighth among active players in career sacks and 38th all-time in that category. Next season, if he puts together another 15-sack season—which is his 17-game average—he will climb to 24th all-time, eclipsing JJ Watt and all but cementing his place as a first ballot Hall of Famer. Funnily enough, Garrett may just end up going from Cleveland to Canton and not competing in Super Bowls, the antithesis of his statement that led to the trade request.
