Myles Garrett Is Now The Highest Paid Non-QB In NFL History

A month ago, Myles Garrett requested that the Cleveland Browns trade him. On Sunday, he became the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history, as he signed a four-year contract extension that includes $123.5 million in guarantees and is worth an average of $40 million annually. The deal will tie Garrett to the Browns until the year 2030.

Myles Garrett’s New Contract Breaks NFL Records

It is well deserved. Garrett is a couple of years removed from being named the Defensive Player of the Year in the NFL, is a six-time Pro Bowler, and has been named a First Team All-Pro on four different occasions. He has racked up 14 sacks in each of the past two seasons, and no player in the league has more sacks than Garrett over the last three years (44).

In 2024, Garrett became the first player to ever record 100 sacks before his 29th birthday.

The deal puts any trade rumors to rest. Back on February 3rd, it was announced that Myles Garrett had requested that he be traded away from Cleveland, citing that his ultimate goal was winning a Super Bowl. He had previously mentioned that he was not interested in going through another rebuild with the Browns, who finished the 2024 season tied for the worst record in the league at 3-14.

From trade to truce and beyond: the Browns and Myles Garrett reached agreement today on a record contract extension that averages $40 million per year and includes $123.5 million in guaranteed money and now makes him the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history, sources tell ESPN.… pic.twitter.com/scNWJH2vFX

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2025

But money apparently talks, and his new deal will take Garrett into his mid-30s. The extension includes a no-trade clause.

There will be a ripple effect for other pass rushers and defensive players that are seeking long-term security. It was just last week that the Raiders extended Maxx Crosby, when his new 3-year deal worth $106.5 million made him the highest paid non-QB in the NFL, a crown that he was able to wear for just four days before being eclipsed by Garrett and his deal.

The next big name on the market that will be looking for new money is Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons, who will now likely be asking for a pay day somewhere in the range of Garrett’s extension.