The ink is dry, or at least, the updated digital signature is. Myles Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, officially has some tweaked language in his contract with the Cleveland Browns, according to league sources Tuesday. This isn't about more money for Garrett right now, though his five-year, $125 million extension signed back in 2020 already made him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league. This is about security, about the team showing good faith, and about keeping their most dominant force happy and healthy in Northeast Ohio.
Look, Garrett earned this. The man put up 14 sacks in 2023, tied for seventh in the NFL, despite playing through a shoulder injury for a chunk of the season. He also logged 30 quarterback hits and four forced fumbles. Since entering the league as the No. 1 overall pick in 2017, Garrett has been a wrecking ball, racking up 88.5 sacks in 100 career games. He’s been to five Pro Bowls and, finally, got that DPOY hardware. Thing is, the Browns have invested heavily in him, and he’s delivered. This contract modification isn't a pay raise, but it's a smart move by Andrew Berry to ensure their franchise cornerstone feels valued beyond just the raw dollar amount. It likely addresses some of the future guarantees or injury protection, which becomes increasingly important for a player entering his prime with that kind of mileage.
Real talk: it’s a player’s league, and the best ones know their worth. Garrett has consistently been among the league leaders in pressures and sacks. In 2021, he set a career-high with 16 sacks. He’s been double-teamed more than almost any other edge rusher, yet he still finds ways to disrupt. This subtle contract adjustment probably makes it harder for the Browns to cut him without significant financial penalty down the line, or perhaps provides him with more immediate cash flow in the event of a career-altering injury. It’s a win-win, really. The Browns protect their investment, and Garrett gets peace of mind. Some might call it a formality, but these "formalities" speak volumes about organizational trust. For a team that’s had its share of locker room drama over the years, keeping their stars content is paramount.
Here’s the thing: while it might not grab headlines like a blockbuster trade, this kind of move is foundational. It signals stability. It tells other players, "Hey, if you perform, we'll take care of you." That matters in free agency and in retaining talent. The Browns are trying to build a sustained winner, and that doesn't just happen with big splashes; it happens with consistent, smart management. Their 11-6 record last season, making the playoffs despite an absurd number of injuries, proves they're on the right track. Keeping Garrett locked in, both financially and mentally, is crucial for maintaining that trajectory. My hot take? Garrett benefits from this more than the Browns do. He gets the security, and the team just avoids a potential headache down the road. They didn't *have* to do this, but they did.
I predict Garrett will finally break the 18-sack barrier in 2024, now that his future feels even more concrete.