The 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year has signed a massive new contract. After initially requesting a trade from the Cleveland Browns, Myles Garrett opted to stay with the organization after they made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
Garrett has been the cornerstone of Cleveland’s defense since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2017. Let’s examine Garrett’s contract, salary, and net worth after his lucrative payday.
Myles Garret’s Contract, Salary, and Net Worth
Garrett came to the Browns after the team went 1-15 in 2016 and was immediately the face of the franchise. He only had seven sacks in an injury-shortened rookie season but has collected 10+ in each season since. The defensive end has been named an All-Pro four times and was the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.
Now, he has made NFL history as the highest-paid edge rusher of all time. Garrett ultimately decided to withdraw his trade demand when the Browns signed him to a four-year extension worth $204.7 million, including $122.7 million in total guarantees.
The extension makes Garrett the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history and also features a no-trade clause. While it seemed Garrett had played his final game in Cleveland, it turns out money can solve everything.
According to Over the Cap, Garrett is due $19.7 million in 2025 and then the extension will kick in during the 2027 season.
Garrett has a net worth of $12 million, and he has earned $124,728,901 throughout the course of his pro career (from his NFL contracts alone).
How Did Garrett Earn This Massive Payday?
It’s easy to see why the Browns were willing to sign Garrett to such a massive deal. He finished the 2024 season with 14 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery in 17 games.
However, despite his efforts, the Browns finished with a 3-14 record, which raises the question — was keeping Garrett the smartest move for Cleveland long term?
The Browns’ roster is still missing key pieces to become a Super Bowl contender, most notably a star quarterback. Their defense also has some gaps beyond Garrett.
According to PFSN’s Defense+ metric, Cleveland ranked No. 9 last season. Typically, Super Bowl-winning teams rank in the top five in that category. For instance, the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense ranked No. 2 when they won their Super Bowl this past season.
Still, Garrett’s individual dominance is undeniable. He led all qualified players with an 18.4% pressure rate in 2024. Over the last three seasons, he’s led all pass rushers in sacks (44), and among players with at least 500 pass-rushing snaps in the last three years, he ranks fifth in pressure rate (17.6%).
The only players above him? Micah Parsons, Bryce Huff, Nick Bosa, and Josh Uche.
Time will tell if this extension was the best move for the Browns, but few can argue that Garrett wasn’t worth the investment.