Myles Garrett has sacked 31 different quarterbacks during his eight-year NFL career. On Friday, the four-time All-Pro edge rusher had to stand in his own pocket and take the pressure of fielding questions about his decision to sign an extension with the Cleveland Browns instead of trying to follow through on his trade request.
“I think I had some frustration. And you know, I feel like that helped us grow and have conversations that were difficult, but needed to be had,” Garrett said. “I think the fans will see that my heart is in the right place. It has never been about money. It’s always been about winning. That’s where my frustration lies.”
Garrett’s four-year contract extension has an average salary of $40m and makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
The deal ended a month-long saga that began during Super Bowl week when the 2023 AP Defensive Player of the Year asked for a trade, saying he wanted to win a Super Bowl. The Browns were firm, however, that they would not entertain offers from other teams.
Garrett said he believes the trade request and voicing his frustration about the Browns’ 3-14 campaign was the catalyst for changes in the team.
“I had some frustration and I feel like that helped us grow and have conversations [with Browns general manager Andrew Berry] that were difficult but needed to be had and that created a little bit more discourse, helped build some relationships and reaffirmed them,” Garrett said. “Now I feel like we’re in a better place and now we can move on and grow from there.”
Garrett also said that team owner Jimmy Haslam largely staying out of the discussions allowed Garrett and Berry to have construtive talks. With an extension that includes $122.8m guaranteed and a total value of $204.8m, there is a prevailing opinion among Browns fans that Garrett’s decision ended up being about money rather than hopes of success. Garrett knows that is something he will have to disprove.
“If it’s about the money then I can just pack it in and not go out there and give my best effort. But I plan to be the best person possible in this locker room, be the best leader possible and as well as dominating on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays,” he said. “Giving everything for those kinds of wins and what I’ve done year in and year out, that really proves it to the fans. No amount of words will.”
The Browns have only been to the playoffs twice since Garrett was the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft. He has 102.5 sacks in his career, including 14 in 2024.
The extension means many will also expect Garrett to become more of a team leader as well as one of the Browns’ leading recruiters of free agents. Garrett was in the Browns complex on Thursday to meet quarterback Russell Wilson. The New York Giants are meeting with Wilson on Friday.
Garrett said he brought up coming to the Browns with Wilson during the Pro Bowl.
“I definitely think he’d be a valuable asset as a leader, as a mentor to those young guys. Veteran leadership can’t be understated and I think he definitely has some juice left at the position. He has plenty of arm left, he’s very smart and he knows what he’s capable of. So he’d be a valuable asset,” Garrett said.
