Myles Garrett has no interest in rebuilding with the Browns but could break the bank with a new contract
The Cleveland Browns enter a vital offseason for their team especially GM Andrew Berry and HC Kevin Stefanski. While Stefanski is rumored to be in charge of the search for a new quarterback, the Browns brass could also look to some of their former players to help on the offensive side of the ball.
While most of the focus will be on the quarterback position, with the Deshaun Watson era most likely over, DE Myles Garrett stirred up a hornet’s nest at the end of the season with his comments about not rebuilding. Since then, Garrett was named first-team All-Pro once again as he continues to prove that he is the top dog at his position.
Instead of trading Garrett, Cleveland is likely to be seeking a long-term contract extension with their star defender. That contract likely sets a new record for average annual salary for defenders (currently DE Joey Bosa makes $34 million a year) but a former NFL agent believes Garrett could clear that number by a lot:
I don’t see another fully guaranteed NFL contract like Deshaun Watson’s anytime soon. Lamar Jackson fought hardest for one & failed. Myles Garrett using the Watson deal against the Browns in negotiations to become the 1st $40M per year non-QB this offseason wouldn’t shock me. https://t.co/hpkktfNHzq
— Joel Corry (@corryjoel) January 15, 2025
According to Over the Cap, WR Justin Jefferson is the highest-paid non-quarterback at $35 million a year right now.
While the 29-year-old Garrett is likely to top that number, it will be interesting by how much and if he comes close to the $40 million figure noted above. Currently, 15 quarterbacks average $40 million or more a season led by Dak Prescott’s $60 million average salary.
Garrett’s current contract expires after the 2026 season, the month after he turns 31 years old.
Do you think Garrett will get $40 million a year? No matter how high the annual salary is, how many years should the Browns extend his contract beyond 2026?