Myles Garrett, Browns Reportedly Agree to Contract Modifications to Create Salary Cap Flexibility

Myles Garrett reportedly has agreed to modify his historic Cleveland Browns contract to give the team some salary cap flexibility.

Per ESPN's Field Yates, the star defensive end has agreed to push his option bonuses back to seven days before the start of the regular season. Previously, his option bonuses in 2026, 2027 and 2028 were set to be exercised by the 15th day of the league year.

He also had $8 million of his base salary in 2029 and 2030 changed into roster bonuses early in each league year.

According to Yates, the changes will benefit both the Browns and Garrett. They will give the team more flexibility to create cap space, while the modified payments favor Garrett.

Last offseason started with Garrett requesting a trade, citing his desire to compete for a Super Bowl. Just over a month later, he signed a four-year deal that pays him $40 million and features $123.5 million in guaranteed money.

The deal, at the time, made Garrett the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

He proved this season that he was well worth it. Garrett recorded an NFL-record 23 sacks along with 60 total tackles and three forced fumbles in 2025 on his way to winning his second NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.

The Browns have the best defensive player in football on their side, but the rest of the roster could use some work. The first order of business is figuring out who will start under center between Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, Deshaun Watson and possibly another quarterback.

From there, Cleveland could use the additional cap space to focus on skill positions and bolstering the line.

The flexibility provided by Garrett's restructure won't turn things around overnight, but it is a step in the right direction.