Here's What a Browns-Myles Garrett Mega Contract Extension Would Look Like
By Nick Porr
Earlier this offseason, the Cleveland Browns committed themselves to defensive end Myles Garrett by picking up his fifth-year option. Now, the Browns are reportedly ready to take it a step further by giving the pass rusher a massive contract extention.
Garrett was drafted No. 1 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. He's wasted no time cementing himself as a leader on the Cleveland defense, and could be set to become the highest-paid pass rusher in the NFL in due time.
The #Browns and DE Myles Garrett have had contract extension discussions, setting the stage for a potential long-term later this summer, per @JFowlerESPN. The highest paid edge-rusher in the NFL is Khalil Mack at $23.5M per year average.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) June 12, 2020
Garrett's hit a major roadblock following his suspension after a midgame altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph in November. That has not deterred the Browns, however, who absolutely see him as a premier piece going forward.
If the Browns are series about their intentions to extend him, however, they'll have to cough up a pile of money. Something close to the six-year, $141 million extension the Chicago Bears gave to outside linebacker Khalil Mack in 2018 may be what it takes to get a deal done.
#Browns GM Andrew Berry told RapSheet + Friends (https://t.co/CiKkY8tVHv) that he hopes Myles Garrett is with the #Browns for years to come. Why a long-term extension makes sense ?????? pic.twitter.com/Xfe6oebpQU
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 5, 2020
The Browns can alternatively argue that Garrett's suspension lowered his value, though but the star defender would still net a hefty extension even in that event. The Browns likely couldn't get away with paying less than five years and $100 million to keep the sack master in The Land.
Myles Garrett is going to be getting a massive pay increase from his rookie contract no matter what. Whether he sets the all-time record for an edge-rusher, however, is a far murkier picture.