The Cleveland Browns are finalizing a massive five-year extension worth $125 million with star pass-rusher Myles Garrett, a league source confirmed to ESPN. The deal is not done yet, but the sides are stated to be close.
The deal, which is worth a total of $144 million over seven years, would make Garrett the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Garrett entered the offseason with two years left on his rookie contract after the Browns picked up his fifth-year option.
Garrett, 24, is expected to sign the contract as early as Wednesday after passing a physical Tuesday, a source told ESPN. NFL Network first reported Tuesday that a deal was imminent with the 2017 No. 1 pick out of Texas A&M.
Garrett had 10 sacks in 10 matches last season. But he was suspended the final six games for hitting Mason Rudolph with the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback's own helmet during a skirmish at the end of their game on Nov. 14.
The NFL reinstated Garrett in February.
Garrett has been a dominant pass-rusher since entering the league, ranking fourth in sacks-per-game (0.82) since 2017. According to ESPN's Stats & Information, opposing quarterbacks' QBR drops by more than 20 when Garrett is on the field compared to when he is off.
By signing the deal, Garrett would pass Chicago's Khalil Mack ($23 million) as the highest-paid defensive player in average annual salary.
All in all, this is a smart move for the Browns. Garrett is one of the best young defensive players in the NFL, and he’s only going to continue to get better.
Garrett’s pending new contract is the second big deal of the day for defensive linemen. Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones agreed to a four-year, $85 million extension earlier Tuesday.
