Myles Garrett Says New Browns Contract Wasn't About Money: 'Always Been About Winning'

In his first public comments since signing a historic four-year, $160 million contract extension on March 9, Myles Garrett wants everyone to know his priority is bringing a championship to the Cleveland Browns.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Garrett said his new deal was "never about the money" and he's "always been about winning."

The extension ended any potential drama between Garrett and the Browns after he requested a trade in February.

Garrett said in a statement at the time his request became public noted his goal "was never to go from Cleveland to Canton," but have the opportunity to compete for Super Bowls.

"With that in mind, I have requested to be traded from the Cleveland Browns."

The implication was that Garrett didn't believe the Browns would offer him the opportunity to compete for championships. The six-time Pro Bowler made it seem like he was really committed to his trade stance.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on March 7 that Garrett was prepared to sit out games if his trade request wasn't granted.

The Browns were consistent in their messaging that they had no intention of moving Garrett. It would have been extremely difficult for them to do so anyway because they were already in a cap bind and he would have counted $36 million in dead money for them if a trade happened before June 1. A post-June 1 trade would have saved the team around $5 million against the 2025 cap.

Cleveland's front office hasn't shown the ability to build a consistently successful team around Garrett since he entered the NFL in 2017. The team has just one playoff win in two playoff appearances during that span.

There is another opportunity for the Browns to add an impact player in the draft with the No. 2 overall pick, but it seems unlikely they will have a chance to select Cam Ward. The top-ranked quarterback in the 2025 class is becoming increasingly likely to be selected by the Tennessee Titans at No. 1 overall.

The Browns could always put together a tantalizing package to move up a spot that ensures they can select Ward if he's their top quarterback.

Until the Browns solve their issues at quarterback, though, it's hard to find a path for this franchise to be successful. They had one of the best defenses in DVOA history (since 2003) during the 2023 season, finished 11-6 and lost their first playoff game to the Houston Texans by 31 points.

Garrett, who was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, is absolutely a foundation piece that the Browns are smart to build around. He has recorded at least 10 sacks in each of the past seven seasons and led the NFL with 22 tackles for loss in 2024.