Myles Garrett is staying put.
On Sunday afternoon, reports emerged that the Cleveland Browns and the four-time All-Pro had agreed a record four-year contract extension that averages $40 million per year.
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The contract includes $123.5 million in guaranteed money, making the star defensive end the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
His $40 million per year is more than the likes of Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby ($35m), Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson ($35m), and Cowboys wideout CeeDee Lamb ($35m).
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Garrett’s agent, Nicole Lynn of Klutch Sports and Browns GM Andrew Berry finalized the deal today.”
The NFL insider added: “The contract also includes a no-trade clause and ties Garrett to the Browns through the 2030 season.
“The path from Cleveland to Canton is back on as Garrett continues his pursuit of a championship for the team that drafted No. 1 overall in 2017.”
Fans immediately shared their thoughts after learning of the news.
“RIP to his career,” one fan posted.
“I thought he cared about winning,” added another.
“So it was just about the money then,” a third posted.
“Money talks,” a fourth wrote.
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The news comes after the star pass rusher made clear his desire to leave the Browns with a trade request last month.
He even revealed that he sat down with Ohio native and NBA legend LeBron James to discuss leaving the city.
In his statement, the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, who signed a five-year, $125 million deal with Cleveland back in 2020, cited a desire to win.
“As a kid dreaming of the NFL, all I focused on was the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl – and that goal fuels me today more than ever,” Garrett wrote.
“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.”
Since the Browns drafted Garrett with the number one overall pick in the 2017 draft, Cleveland has gone 53-78-1.
They’ve made the postseason just twice in that span, and have one playoff win to show for.
Garrett expressed competing for a Super Bowl was his main desire to leave when handing in a trade request last month.
“I just don’t think we’re aligned on where the team is going in the near future,” Garrett said.
However, the Browns maintained their stance that Garrett was their franchise player and never had any intention of parting ways with one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL.
The Washington Commanders, Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles were all heavily linked with Garrett, but now it seems he, and the Browns, have found 40 million reasons to stick around.
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