Myles Garrett has made a stunning reversal, signing a record-breaking contract with the Cleveland Browns just a month after requesting a trade. The defensive end’s new deal is worth a whopping $204.7 million over four years, with an average annual salary of $40 million, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history ¹ ².
Garrett’s trade request was motivated by his desire to win a Super Bowl, which he didn’t believe was possible with the Browns. However, the team’s front office was adamant that they wouldn’t trade him, and instead, worked out a contract extension that would keep Garrett in Cleveland until 2030 ².
The deal includes a no-trade clause, which suggests that Garrett is committed to seeing out his contract with the Browns. It’s a remarkable turnaround, given that Garrett had been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the team’s direction and had even consulted with LeBron James about his decision to request a trade ³.
So, what changed Garrett’s mind? The answer may lie in the Browns’ willingness to open their checkbook and make him one of the highest-paid players in the league. The team’s owner, Jimmy Haslam, had reportedly refused to meet with Garrett to discuss his trade request, but was willing to negotiate a contract extension ⁴.
The signing is a significant coup for the Browns, who have managed to retain one of their star players. However, it’s worth noting that the team still has a long way to go if they want to become genuine Super Bowl contenders. Garrett’s signing may be a step in the right direction, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
The deal is also likely to have significant implications for the NFL as a whole. Garrett’s contract sets a new benchmark for non-quarterbacks, and is likely to influence negotiations for other top players. The Browns’ willingness to spend big on Garrett may also prompt other teams to follow suit, leading to a surge in salaries across the league ⁵.