Cleveland Browns future HOF edge rusher Myles Garrett previously announced he was requesting a trade from the organization that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2017.
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That is, the six-time Pro Bowler has apparently put his Super Bowl hopes on the back burner, as he just signed a four-year contract extension, which is going to pay him $40 million annually ($123.5 million guaranteed), per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Notably, this makes Garrett the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, surpassing Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Max Crosby's three-year/$106 million contract from last week.
Full details:
— 4 year extension/6 total years$40,000,000 APY
No trade clause
$204,796,125 total value
$100,000,000 cash 1st three years
$88,800,000 execution guarantees
$122,796,125 total guarantees https://t.co/pFjrwhCu7O
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2025
To mention, Garrett, 29, already had two years left on his contract, so he will be a Cleveland Brown through the 2030 season, as ironically he has a "no trade" clause included in the deal.
Feb. 4: Myles Garrett publicly requests trade, says he wants to win.
Feb. 27: Myles Garrett is unwilling to negotiate a contract extension with the Browns
Mar. 7: Owner won't even meet with him.
Mar. 9: Myles Garrett signs 4-year, $160M extension with the Browns. https://t.co/oxXa9lxcMw
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 9, 2025
When looking at Garrett's trade request letter to Cleveland from a month ago, it makes this all a bit surprising.
"While I've loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won't allow me to be complacent. The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl."
Remember that Myles Garrett trade request? "My desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won't allow me to be complacent."
... Unless, the Browns pay me a whole bunch of money.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) March 9, 2025
Those around the league have reacted to this news.
As a writer for the Pittsburgh Steelers wrote on X, "So I guess Myles Garrett wasn't quite as interested in winning as he let on?"
Myles Garrett: “Cleveland TRADE ME. I want to win a SuperBowl.”
Myles Garrett after $123.5 Million extension: pic.twitter.com/yQR87xICIl
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) March 9, 2025
In view of Garrett's first eight seasons in Cleveland, he has racked up an impressive 102.5 sacks, to go along with quite the resume, that includes four First-Team All-Pros, six Pro Bowls, and a Defensive Player of the Year award (2023).
To point out, in addition to Garrett now taking up 14% of the team's salary cap, the Browns also have to pay quarterback Deshaun Watson $92 million over the next two years.
The rest of the Browns roster after Myles Garrett & Deshaun’s contracts: https://t.co/QYITDqphr1 pic.twitter.com/BmeiYT1td4
— Sleeper (@SleeperHQ) March 9, 2025
Related: Myles Garrett requests trade to pursue Super Bowl dreams
