Current Contract Structure and Term
Myles Garrett signed a five-year, $136 million extension with the Cleveland Browns in 2020, making him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL at the time. The deal included significant guaranteed money and roster bonuses designed to keep the franchise pass rusher through the 2024 season. The structure features a large base salary in the final year, with the contract set to expire after the 2024 campaign, leaving the Browns with a major decision on whether to extend or let him test free agency. This extension was built around Garrett's status as a perennial Pro Bowl defensive end and the cornerstone of Cleveland's defensive front. For the full details of the original extension, you can review the reporting on the Browns' official site and trusted NFL coverage from ESPN, which broke down the contract terms at the time of the signing here.
The contract includes a fifth-year option that was exercised by the Browns, locking Garrett in through the 2024 season with a player option for 2025 that has since been resolved. His current cap hit and dead money figures will shift depending on whether Cleveland chooses to extend him or release him before the next league year. The deal also contains incentive clauses tied to performance milestones, which can affect both the base salary and the overall cap impact in future seasons. Understanding the exact expiration date and the financial implications is critical for fans and analysts tracking the Browns' salary cap planning. The contract details have been widely reported by outlets such as Forbes, which regularly covers NFL salary cap trends and player extensions here.
Free Agency Timeline and Decision Window
Garrett's current contract is expected to expire after the 2024 NFL season, placing him on the potential free agency market in early 2025, assuming no new extension is reached beforehand. The decision window for the Browns typically opens in the spring, with negotiations often intensifying during the offseason program and training camp periods. If the sides do not agree to a new deal, Garrett could enter the 2025 free agency period as a top unrestricted free agent defensive end. The timeline is closely watched because a prolonged holdout or trade request could impact both his market value and the team's defensive continuity. Updates on the negotiation timeline are frequently covered by NFL Network and other league insiders who track contract movements here.
The Browns have historically preferred to keep their franchise cornerstones through long-term extensions, and Garrett fits that pattern as the team's all-time leader in sacks. However, the final decision will depend on factors such as cap space, his performance in the 2024 season, and the availability of comparable talent on the market. General manager Sashi Brown and the front office have previously signaled that they view Garrett as a foundational piece of the defense for years to come. The exact date when the contract officially becomes a free agent deal is tied to the NFL calendar, with the new league year typically beginning in mid-March. For broader context on how NFL contracts and free agency timelines work, the official NFL operations page provides a clear breakdown here.
Financial Implications and Cap Impact
Garrett's current cap number for the final guaranteed season of his deal is expected to be among the highest