CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland Browns began talking about a massive contract extension for Myles Garrett in the NFL combine in late February when Browns general manager Andrew Berry had some preliminary talks with agent Bus Cook.
The Browns have a good relationship with Cook. He recently represented Garrett for his 2017 rookie contract, while preparing an extension deal for linebacker Jamie Collins. Andrew Berry’s office also knew that if the Browns were ever going to build a consistent winning team, they had to stick with players like Garrett.
He is more than Garrett being one of the main defensive ends of the NFL. He is open to stay in Cleveland. Other than his fight on the field with Pittsburgh QB Mason Rudolph last season, there have been no problems.
Garrett is one of the players the Browns send to talk to school groups, something he loves to do.
WHY DO IT NOW?
Yes, Garrett had two years left on his rookie contract. But the Browns wanted to complete an extension before the 2020 season began. They correctly feared if Garrett has another good season in 2020 …
And he enters 2021 with only one year left on his contract …
He would be less likely to sign an extension and much more tempted to play the 2021 season and hit the open market …
And yes, the Browns would look stupid again, especially since Garrett has a sincere interest in staying with the team.
The Browns suspended Garrett’s talks until after the draft, then serious discussions began in late April. The result? A massive 5-year, $ 125 million extension ($ 100 million guaranteed). That adds to the remaining two years on his rookie contract, meaning 24-year-old Garrett is under the team’s control for the next seven seasons.
“There are no reserves for me (staying with the Browns),” said Garrett. “I like that the story is what it is because later it will only be so much sweeter when we change this and really start winning big games, playoff games and finally get to the bottom.”
Garrett has endured 0-16, 7-8-1 and 6-10 seasons with the Browns.
“I would like to lead the pack,” he said. “Whether it starts next year or how many years late, I want to take Cleveland to that promised land.”
GREAT DEAL FOR BOTH SIDES
Some critics will say the Browns overpaid for their defensive end. I say it is high time they have a player with enough talent and the right work ethic to be worth a massive contract, especially a player selected and developed by them.
If this franchise is ever to become a contender, it has to happen by being right about its best draft picks.
Sashi Brown’s main office received a lot of criticism for some of his moves in the 2016-17 season. They had the top pick in the 2017 draft. Some in the main office were intrigued by QB Mitchell Trubisky. I heard that some of the former Browns coaches indicated they had to convince Garrett’s office. I know they pushed him. But coaches also know that if Brown didn’t sell at Garrett, he would have passed the defensive side of Texas A&M.
Berry was part of that office that made the decision on Garrett.
How about this? Garrett is the only player selected from the top five in the 2017 draft who deserved to have his team choose his fifth-year option. So there were a lot of draft errors coming in 2017.
This time, the Browns did well.
PLAYING THE LONG GAME
Within a year, the Browns will be in a position to discuss contract extensions with Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb and Denzel Ward. Having Garrett registered can help convince others to stay. Of course, those three have to be worthy of a long-term agreement.
I don’t know the details of Garrett’s contract, but heard that big money (for salary cap purposes) has been loaded in recent years. It’s unclear what the 2021 salary cap situation will look like because COVID-19 looms during the 2020 season. Will all 16 games play? Will there be fans in the stands? Whatever happens, the teams’ incomes will decrease and that could affect the salary limit.
But in 2022, it will be a regular business for the NFL.
Additionally, Ohio state product Joey Bosa will be a free agent after the 2020 season. Even with the economic storm clouds, he is likely to outgrow Garrett’s new deal and become the highest-paid defensive player.
While this is a great payday for Garrett, it is a great victory for Berry and the Browns. They were right in the top pick in the 2017 draft, and then they convinced him to stay after going through three very painful years.
That is a breakthrough for this franchise.
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