Myles Garrett agrees to historic contract extension with Cleveland Browns after previously requesting trade

Myles Garrett has had a change of heart. The former Texas A&M standout is staying in Cleveland after previously requesting to be traded.

Garrett and the Browns agreed to a contract extension that makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. It’s a 4-year extension that averages $40 million per year, with $123.5 million guaranteed.

As for being the highest-paid non-QB, that may not last long. The Cincinnati Bengals have verbally committed to giving that title to star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.

From trade to truce and beyond: the Browns and Myles Garrett reached agreement today on a record contract extension that averages $40 million per year and includes $123.5 million in guaranteed money and now makes him the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history, sources tell ESPN.… pic.twitter.com/scNWJH2vFX

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2025

Garrett requested a trade from the Browns on Feb. 3. He posted a note expressing his desire to join a championship contender:

As a kid dreaming of the NFL, all I focused on was the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl — and that goal fuels me today more than ever. My love for the community of Northeast Ohio and the incredible fanbase of the Cleveland Browns has made this one of the toughest decision of my life. These past eight years have shaped me into the man that I am today…

“The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl. With that in mind, I have requested to be traded from the Cleveland Browns.

Garrett has had a stellar 8-year career, logging 102.5 sacks, 116 TFLs and 20 forced fumbles. He was the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and made NFL history in 2024 with 4 consecutive seasons of 14+ sacks.

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.