In a sudden turn of events just days before free agency, the Cleveland Browns changed the mind of its greatest defensive player.
More than a month after declaring a trade from the organization that drafted him eight seasons ago, defensive end Myles Garrett agreed with the Browns on a four-year contract extension that features $125.3 million in guaranteed money. The deal allows the former top overall draft pick to command $40 million per year and makes him the highest non-paid quarterback in league history.
According to ESPN sources, Garrett’s new deal has a no-trade clause and ties down the four-time All-Pro to Cleveland through 2030. The deal was reached between Garrett’s Klutch Sports agent Nicole Lynn and Browns general manager Andrew Berry in the last 36 hours.
Ever since Garrett demanded a trade from the franchise, Cleveland brass has stood firm in not abiding to his wishes. During last week’s scouting combine in Indianapolis, Berry entrenched the team’s stance during a media press conference.
“So Myles, as you guys have all heard me say, he’s a huge part of our organization, really good person, he’s an awesome player,” Berry said. “Understand the trade request and everything, but our stance has really not changed. We can’t imagine a situation where not having Miles as a part of the organization is what’s best for the Browns.”
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, team owner Jimmy Haslam recently denied Garrett of a meeting with him and instead made his player direct personal concerns to only Berry.
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With Garrett’s 102.5 career sack production back into the fold for Cleveland, all roads likely lead to the franchise selecting a rookie quarterback with its second overall pick. The Browns have reportedly expressed interest in veteran signal caller options such as Carson Wentz and Daniel Jones, but they have also conducted top-30 visits with two projected first-round quarterback prospects in Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders.
Garrett once claimed that the goal “was never to go from Cleveland to Canton” but to “compete for and win a Super Bowl.” He’ll likely have to go through another rigorous Browns rebuild to ever achieve such title aspirations.