According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Garrett’s new contract makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
CLEVELAND — The saga between the Cleveland Browns and star defensive end Myles Garrett has reportedly seen another twist — this time in a positive direction.
The Browns confirmed Sunday afternoon that the team has agreed on a four-year contract extension to keep Garrett in Cleveland through the 2030 season. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Garrett’s new contract will make him the highest-paid player outside the quarterback position in NFL history, at an average annual value of $40 million per year including $123.5 million in guaranteed money.
“From trade to truce and beyond,” Schefter wrote on social media.
The stunning development comes amid what began as a tumultuous offseason between Cleveland and the face of its defense. In early February, Garrett announced he had requested to be traded away from the Browns, saying his “desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won’t allow me to be complacent.” He later doubled down, telling ESPN he was “willing to do whatever it takes” to get the team to agree to his request.
Just days ago, reports surfaced that Browns owner Jimmy Haslam denied Garrett’s request for a meeting. While Cleveland had not confirmed the latest reports, the team did acknowledge their star player’s previous trade request in a statement Sunday announcing the extension.
“[Garrett] had conversations with Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry during routine exit interviews following the season which both sides expressed frustrations about the results of the 2024 season as well as aspirations to win. Berry has reiterated his commitment to returning to winning in 2025 and has believed Garrett plays an integral role in achieving that goal,” team staff writer Kelsey Russo wrote. “With a new extension in place through 2030, Garrett is poised to lead the Browns to those wins and the defense to high levels of success for the foreseeable future.”
Garrett, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, had another remarkable season despite Cleveland suffering a disastrous 2024-25 campaign. The former Defensive Player of the Year finished second in the league in sacks with 14 despite being double-teams on a career-high 30% of pass rush attempts, becoming the first player in league history to tally 14 or more sacks in four straight years. His 22 tackles for loss led the league in 2024 and he finished third in quarterback hits with 84.
Garrett has made the Pro Bowl in six of his eight NFL seasons. Aside from his 2023 Defensive Player of the Year win, he was a finalist for the honor in 2022 and 2024.