Over recent weeks, the situation between the Cleveland Browns and Myles Garrett seemed to grow more tense by the day.
Both parties were entrenched in their positions: Garrett, the star defensive end, wanted out, seeking a trade to a team chasing a championship. On the other hand, Cleveland’s management was adamant that their top pass rusher wasn’t going anywhere.
But on Sunday, just over a month after Garrett’s surprising trade request hit the headlines in early February, something changed. The two sides reached an agreement on a record-breaking extension, averaging $40 million annually and guaranteeing Garrett $123.5 million, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
This deal catapults Garrett, now 29, back to the top as the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. It also smoothes over a public disagreement with a franchise legend that could have cast a shadow over their free agency plans, which kick off on Wednesday.
Securing Garrett’s extension is the first of several crucial steps the Browns need to take this offseason. After a disastrous 2024, they aim to rebound and put themselves back in playoff contention.
Garrett, in his open letter requesting a trade, made it clear he was eager to chase championships as he nears the twilight years of his career. Although the Browns are fresh from a bleak 3-14 season and a long way from challenging the NFL’s top teams, at least now, they enter free agency confident in retaining their key defensive asset.
Next up on Cleveland’s agenda is the quarterback market. They’re anticipated to pursue a seasoned free agent QB. The market has already seen movement, with Geno Smith being traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Browns are exploring their quarterback options. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, names such as Daniel Jones, Carson Wentz, and potentially Kirk Cousins, if he’s released, are on their radar. Despite owing $92 million to Deshaun Watson, sidelined for a significant portion of the 2025 season due to a re-injured right Achilles tendon, GM Andrew Berry assured at the NFL Scouting Combine that financial constraints won’t prevent them from making major moves if opportunities arise.
Historically, the Browns haven’t shied away from significant spending, twice making Garrett the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history. They’ve also set the bar with Denzel Ward as the highest-paid cornerback and, quite notoriously, offered Watson a fully guaranteed $230 million deal, still an NFL record.
Before the agreement reached on Sunday, Garrett was locked in for the next two seasons. Trading him before June 1 seemed unlikely due to the $36 million in dead cap charges it would incur. Now, with Garrett’s future secured, Cleveland can pivot to constructing a competitive roster capable of playoff success.
