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Report: Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns agree to historic contract extension

by:Alex Byington03/09/25

_AlexByington

Myles Garrett
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

A month after demanding a trade away from Cleveland, former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett has reversed course and reportedly agreed to a record contract extension to remain with the Browns, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Garrett’s new deal would pay him $40 million annually and includes $123.5 million in guaranteed money that makes him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history, per Schefter.

Garrett, 29, publicly requested a trade in early February, making him the top name on the trade market entering the NFL offseason. Browns general manager Andrew Berry told reporters at the 2025 NFL Combine that the organization has zero interest in trading Garrett.

“He’s a huge part of our organization. Really good person,” Berry said Feb. 26. “He’s an awesome player. Understand the trade request and everything, but our stance really has not changed. We can’t imagine a situation where not having Myles as a part of the organization is best for the Browns.”

Garrett wants to win a Super Bowl and doesn’t feel his vision currently aligns with the Browns’ immediate future, he explained during a Super Bowl Sunday appearance on ESPN‘s “Postseason NFL Countdown.”

“I just felt after taking some time after the season — using that time to decompress and talk with my family, consult with them, work through some feelings and emotions and also speaking with management at the Browns — I just felt like at this current time, I don’t feel like our future is aligned with winning right now,” Garrett said. “And that’s what I’m looking forward to doing at this stage in my career.

“I have a lot of love for northeast Ohio, a community that brought me into the league. But I want to get to contending and winning playoff games and having a chance to be in games like today [Super Bowl].”

Report: Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam denies Myles Garrett request for meeting amid trade request

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on Friday that Browns owner Jimmy Haslam denied Garrett’s request for a meeting following the former first overall pick’s plea. It’s evident both sides are sticking to their guns, and there may not be a resolution reached in a quick fashion.

“Browns star Myles Garrett recently requested a meeting with owner Jimmy Haslam, who declined to speak amidst Garrett’s trade request, per sources,” Pelissero posted on X. “Both sides are dug in: Cleveland refuses to even discuss a trade, while Garrett is preparing to miss games if he’s not traded.”

It’s easy to see how the situation one of the AFC North’s franchises is dealing with could get out of hand in quick fashion. Garrett hasn’t changed his stance; he wants out of Cleveland. The Browns haven’t changed their stance — they have no interest in trading the 29-year-old pass rusher.

On3’s Nick Geddes and Steve Samra contribued to this report.