Sometimes, money changes minds and hearts.
That seems to be the case for Myles Garrett, who no longer wants out of Cleveland.
The Browns signed Garrett to a record-breaking contract extension that averages $40 million per season and includes $123.5 million in guaranteed money, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they aren’t permitted to disclose contract details. Garrett’s new deal makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
Garrett’s contract runs through the 2030 season and is a complete reversal from his public trade request last month. The star defensive end’s contract will have a domino effect on the rest of the NFL. USA TODAY Sports explores the winners and losers following Garrett’s mega deal:
Obviously, Garrett.
Garrett broke the bank and reset the market, becoming the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
The star defensive end makes almost five million more per year than the next highest-paid edge rushers in the NFL. Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby recently inked a deal that nets him $35.5 million on an annual basis and San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa averages $34 million on an annual basis. Crosby and Bosa represent the next two top-earning edge rushers.
The Browns and Garrett made amends. Garrett rescinded his trade request, and simultaneously, the Browns remain relevant. The Browns would’ve had to embrace a full-blown rebuild and consequently would’ve been stuck in mediocrity for at least the next few years if they had traded their best overall player.
The Browns have only advanced to the playoffs twice since the franchise drafted Garrett No. 1 overall in 2017, but at least they have a cornerstone piece, a face of the franchise, Hall of Fame-caliber player and someone fans can be excited about.
Cleveland has only finished two seasons above .500 since 2010. Garrett, at least, keeps Cleveland fans optimistic.
Garrett’s lucrative extension is excellent news for Parsons. The Cowboys star is on an expiring deal and eligible for a contract extension. Parsons isn’t as accomplished as Garrett; however, he’s in the conversation as the best defensive player in the NFL. The floor for Parsons’ next contract will be in the neighborhood of Garrett’s mega-deal and likely north of Crosby’s overall contract value.
In totality, Garrett’s record-breaking contract will have a ripple effect on all superstar players, particularly defensive ends.
Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said at the NFL combine that the team plans to make Chase the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history. Well, Tobin and the Bengals, you’ll have to give Chase over $40 million per year to make that happen now.
Garrett’s extension means he will terrorize the AFC North for the foreseeable future.
Garrett’s stats vs AFC North opponents:
Garrett’s dominance off the edge hasn’t translated to many wins. He’s registered a 19-20-1 career record versus AFC North rivals, but he’s undoubtedly a player divisional opponents have to heavily game plan for twice a year.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’ perpetual reluctance to grant players extensions soon after they become eligible has cost him plenty of money (case in point Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb). The price tag for Micah Parsons is getting more expensive, seemingly by the week.
The Eagles and Commanders were two teams rumored to be interested in Garrett’s services in the aftermath of his trade request.
Eagles pass rusher Josh Sweat and defensive lineman Milton Williams are pending free agents. Sweat logged a team-high eight sacks and Williams had five sacks last year.
The Commanders are in the market for an edge rusher. Team sack leader Dante Fowler is entering free agency. Washington has over $70 million in cap space, per Over the Cap. The Commanders might pivot to Trey Hendrickson, who was granted permission to seek a trade now that Garrett is locked into an extension.
The New England Patriots are armed with the most cap space in the NFL, per Over the Cap. New England had the fewest sacks in the NFL last season and could’ve benefitted from Garrett’s services.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
