Cleveland Browns Want to Secure Myles Garrett Long-Term

The Cleveland Browns want to offer a long-term deal to their top defender, Myles Garrett. The latest news from the NFL is suggesting that this franchise aims to give the 24-year old one of the biggest deals in the NFL, possibly the biggest for one defender.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says that his sources have information about the negotiations between the two sides, and that the Browns are prepared to splash the cash. He would share that on his Twitter account earlier today.

“Cleveland Browns and Myles Garrett have engaged in contract discussions, per sources, setting the stage for a potential mega-extension this summer. The former No. 1 overall pick has two years left on his rookie deal, and Cleveland could get ahead of a pricey pass-rush market.”

This isn’t an odd thing to see, because Garrett established himself not only as the cornerstone of Cleveland’s defense but also as one of the best defenders in the NFL. He had 10 sacks in 10 games last year and was on his way to win the Defensive Player of the Year award.

However, his reckless reaction during an incident with the Steelers’ QB Mason Rudolph cost him a lot. Garrett hit Rudolph in the head with a helmet, and received a six-game suspension, which ended his fantastic campaign. He would miss all of Cleveland’s important matches, and his absence was definitely a big blow for the Browns’ playoff hopes.

If the two sides find a mutual language in their negotiations, that would mean that the player might become the top-paid defensive end in the league. Right now, Chicago’s Khalil Mack is topping the list of the highest-paid DEs with $23.5 million. Also, some sources say that the Browns are preparing a four-year extension, which means that Garrett stays in Cleveland for the next six years because he still has two more years on his rookie contract.

His current team picked Garrett in the NFL 2017 draft as the first choice. He was the two-time All-American while attending Texas A&M, and since coming among the pros, he earned one Pro Bowl invitation, in 2018. Garrett was bound to be Pro Bowler this season also, and All-Pro too, yet the suspension ruined everything.

That incident didn’t change the way his organization sees the 24-year old, and they still believe he is one of their essential pieces.

“Great player, great person. Obviously, he did make a mistake last year that he’s learned from. But our confidence in and faith in Myles has not wavered, and we’re looking to seeing what he does this year and certainly for years to come.,” said Browns’ GM Andrew Berry several weeks ago.

His team finished with 6 wins and 10 defeats last season, which resulted in firing head coach Freddie Kitchens, who had to leave the organization after just one season. The newly appointed HC is Kevin Stefanski.

The upcoming year is crucial for this unit, and if they fail to make a notable result, that is to reach the playoffs, we could witness a rebuild. Garrett is not endangered in that situation, but Baker Mayfield and several other stars could easily finish their episode in Ohio. The frustration among the fans is already now high enough, and one more losing season would be too much for them.