What note from Myles Garrett’s extension accounts for a possible 18th game?
Earlier today, we did a full breakdown of Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett’s contract extension that he recently received. Among his contract details is that from 2025 to 2030, Garrett is due a $1 million roster bonus per season, which is based on how many games he plays. That breaks down to $58,823 per game.
We’ve also heard speculation that it’s a matter of when, not if, the league will add an 18th regular season game to the schedule. If that happens, how would the per-game calculation be done? Would you add an additional $58,823 per year to account for the 18th game? According to contract details obtained by Pro Football Talk, the answer is “no.”
Garrett’s contract specifically explains what would happen if an 18th game is introduced:
“If there is a change in the number of regular season games, the per game bonus will change by dividing the maximum total bonus amount by the number of regular season games in that specific season. By way of example, if there is an eighteen (18) game season then Player would earn $55,555.55 on a per game basis.”
That means that the roster bonus allocation for Garrett’s contract is capped at $1 million for the year, so he won’t earn extra money in that category for an additional game. His per-game roster bonus would actually shrink to $55,555.55 per game ($1 million divided by 18 games).
PFT also relays that Garrett’s contract makes reference to a possible increase in the number of active players on gameday.
“If the active list number is changed, that active list number will be used to determine if the bonus is earned on a per game basis.”
The implication is that if you add another regular season game, then you may have more injuries or need more depth to give players a rest. It’s understandable that, let’s say the gameday rosters increase to 55 players, you might see some corresponding financial ties to it. In the case of Garrett, though, I can’t wrap my head around what exactly this part of the contract language means.