Report: Myles Garrett, Browns Sign $40M AAV Contract; Non-QB Record After Trade Demand

The Cleveland Browns are keeping their top defender for the foreseeable future.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday that Cleveland and Myles Garrett agreed to a new deal that will make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The contract will pay him an average-annual value of $40 million and feature $123.5 million in guarantees.

It also includes a no-trade clause:

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network provided a full breakdown of the new deal:

Garrett, who was previously set to hit unrestricted free agency after the 2026 season, requested a trade from the Browns on Feb. 3, per Rapoport.

He wrote in a statement shared by Rapoport that his "desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won't allow me to be complacent" by playing on a team not in contention for a Super Bowl.

The Browns apparently convinced Garrett the team could become competitive enough for his recommitment to playing in Cleveland.

The new contract comes after Garrett followed up his 2023 Defensive Player of the Year campaign by posting 14.0 sacks and leading the NFL with 22 tackles for loss in 2024.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters after the 2024 season he didn't see how Garrett wasn't "the best defensive player in the National Football League again," and general manager Andrew Berry said the Browns wouldn't consider trading Garrett even if offered two first-round picks in exchange.

After consistently describing Garrett as the NFL's best defender, the Browns had to pay him like one.

Cleveland is hoping this contract will be worth it to keep a defender who has missed just two games over the last four seasons, while recording at least 14.0 sacks and 17 tackles for loss in all four campaigns.

The Browns will now look to build around Garrett with their selections the 2025 NFL Draft. Cleveland, which holds the No. 2 pick, is in need of a quarterback after Deshaun Watson's second Achilles tear.

The franchise also holds eight additional picks in the draft, including the first selection of the second round. Garrett will hope the Browns use those picks to take the next step toward contending.