Myles Garrett Contract Overview
Myles Garrett signed a five-year extension with the Cleveland Browns in 2020 worth up to $135.5 million, making him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL. The deal includes $66.1 million guaranteed, with a massive signing bonus of $30.5 million paid out upfront. His base salary for the 2024 season sits at $40.25 million, with a cap hit of $42.3 million, according to Overthecap.com.
The structure of the Garrett deal heavily uses voidable years and incentives, which allows the Browns to manage cap space while keeping their franchise pass rusher under contract through 2028. His 2025 cap number is projected to rise above $43 million as voidable bonuses convert. The contract remains the richest defensive deal in league history by total value.
Myles Garrett Salary and Cap Impact
Garrett’s base salary jumps significantly in the final two years of the extension, with a $45 million base in 2027 and a $48 million base in 2028. The cap hit for 2025 includes $4.5 million in dead money from voided guarantees, which slightly reduces the immediate burden. The Browns currently carry roughly $31 million in cap space heading into the 2025 offseason, per CapFriendly.
Despite the large cap number, the Browns have structured the deal to avoid a major dead-cap hit if Garrett is released before 2027. The voidable years in 2026 and 2027 provide flexibility, with a $22.5 million savings if the team opts out after 2025. This design helps Cleveland manage future roster moves around a core anchored by Garrett.
Myles Garrett Career Earnings and Legacy
Garrett has earned over $100 million in career NFL compensation through 2024, combining his rookie deal and the massive extension. He has already surpassed the $30 million mark in single-season earnings for the first time in 2024. His career sack total sits above 100, placing him among the top active defensive ends in the league.
The contract solidifies Garrett’s legacy as the Browns’ all-time leader in sacks and a cornerstone of their defensive identity. His performance in the 2023 season, where he recorded 17 sacks, directly influenced the financial terms of the deal. The structure reflects his status as a generational talent, with a guaranteed payout that exceeds most quarterback contracts in total value. For more details on the contract structure, visit OvertheCap and for broader NFL salary context, check Spotrac.