Myles Garrett Current Contract and Annual Salary
Myles Garrett signed a five-year contract extension with the Cleveland Browns in 2020 that is the largest in franchise history. The deal is worth up to $135.5 million, with $66.7 million fully guaranteed at signing. His average annual value is roughly $27.1 million, placing him among the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL. The contract includes escalators tied to Pro Bowl and award selections that can increase his total compensation. This structure makes Garrett one of the most expensive edge rushers on a per-year basis in the league.
The base salary for Garrett in the 2024 NFL season is $30.5 million, with a salary cap hit of $30.5 million. The contract also features a $1 million roster bonus due at the start of each league year. His total cash earnings for 2024 are projected to be around $31.5 million when incentives are included. The guaranteed money in his deal ensures a stable income floor regardless of performance or injury status. This level of pay reflects his status as a perennial Pro Bowl defensive end and the Browns' franchise cornerstone.
Breakdown of Myles Garrett Earnings and Incentives
Garrett's contract includes a series of performance bonuses that can significantly increase his total earnings. He earns a $500,000 bonus for each Pro Bowl selection and a $1 million bonus for winning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Additional escalators reward him for being named first-team All-Pro and for leading the league in sacks. These incentives are structured to push his total compensation higher if he maintains elite production on the field. The cap hits for these bonuses are prorated over the life of the contract to manage salary cap flexibility.
Incentive Details and Cap Implications
Pro Bowl bonuses are paid if he is voted by fans or selected as an alternate, and they count fully against the salary cap in the year they are earned. Defensive Player of the Year and All-Pro bonuses are paid based on official league recognition at the end of the season. The escalator for leading the league in sacks is a fixed amount that triggers automatically if he tops the category. These incentives make his effective earnings highly variable from year to year. The structure aligns his pay directly with on-field dominance and individual awards.
Myles Garrett Contract Compared to Other NFL Defensive Ends
Garrett's average annual value of $27.1 million ranks him among the top five highest-paid defensive ends in the NFL. His total contract value of $135.5 million places him behind only a few elite quarterbacks and wide receivers in terms of guaranteed money. Compared to peers like T.J. Watt and Nick Bosa, Garrett's deal is structured with a higher base salary and more guaranteed upfront money. The Browns structured the contract to retain their star pass rusher long-term while managing cap space through escalators. This approach balances Garrett's market value with the team's financial flexibility.
Key Comparisons and Market Context
T.J. Watt's contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers has a slightly higher total value but a lower average annual value due to backloaded structure. Nick Bosa's extension with the San Francisco 49ers features a higher cap hit in later years but less guaranteed money at signing. Myles Garrett's deal stands out for its combination of high guaranteed money and a strong base salary throughout the term. The contract reflects the premium the NFL places on elite, consistent pass rushers. This structure ensures Garrett remains one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league for the duration of the deal.
Sources and Contract Details
The contract figures are based on publicly reported terms from the Cleveland Browns and the NFL Players Association. Detailed salary and cap information is available through official NFL resources and team filings. For the latest updates on Myles Garrett's contract and earnings, refer