The Cleveland Browns and All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett have agreed to a new long-term contract that makes Garrett the highest-paid defensive end in NFL history. This deal solidifies Garrett’s place in Cleveland for the foreseeable future and restates any trade speculation brewing in recent weeks. Garrett’s new contract underscores the Browns’ commitment to keeping one of the NFL’s premier defensive talents and maintaining stability within their roster.
For Garrett, this extension is well-deserved. He has been a cornerstone of the Browns’ defense since being drafted first in 2017. A six-time Pro Bowler, six-time All-Pro, and a former Defensive Player of the Year, Garrett has consistently demonstrated his dominance on the field. He is a one-person wrecking crew whose impact goes beyond the stat sheet, and his accolades place him among the best defensive players in the league. Many believe Garrett is well on his way to being a future Hall of Famer, and the only thing missing from his resume is a Super Bowl championship.
From Garrett’s perspective, his desire to explore trade options was entirely justified. The Browns’ instability at quarterback and inability to consistently compete for championships could have prompted any player of his caliber to consider a change of scenery. Despite Garrett’s loyalty and exceptional performance, the Browns’ quarterback situation has been a thorn in their side. The Deshaun Watson experiment has yet to yield the results Cleveland hoped for, and unless Watson can recapture his Pro Bowl form, the Browns will remain in the quarterback market.
Cleveland’s front office deserves some credit for recognizing Garrett’s value and acting swiftly to keep him in a Browns uniform. The team is more competitive now than in previous years, with a roster that has the potential to contend if they can solve their quarterback dilemma. Garrett’s extension provides stability on defense, but the Browns’ offensive future remains uncertain.
Now, all eyes turn to the 2025 NFL Draft. The Browns hold a high draft pick, and the focus will undoubtedly shift to addressing their quarterback needs. Before Garrett’s extension, many speculated that Cleveland might target a defensive replacement like Penn State’s Abdul Carter. With Garrett secured, the Browns can now prioritize finding their future quarterback. Options like Miami’s Cameron Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders will likely be high on their list.
The Browns play in a highly competitive AFC filled with elite quarterbacks and experienced head coaches. Cleveland must have an answer at the quarterback position to keep pace with teams led by stars like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen. The team’s roster has talented pieces, but the quarterback position remains the missing link. While Watson’s return to form would be the easiest solution, there are legitimate concerns about his durability and ability to return to his previous level of play.
If Cleveland decides to move on from Watson, it may be time to swallow their pride and absorb the financial hit. A fresh start with a promising young quarterback could change the franchise’s trajectory. Whether that means drafting Ward, Sanders, or another top prospect, the Browns must prioritize stability and productivity at the most important position in football.
In the end, if the Browns can find a quarterback and return to playoff contention, the sting of the Watson deal will fade. Winning has a way of erasing past mistakes, and locking down Myles Garrett was a critical step in ensuring that the Browns’ defense remains a strength as they retool their offense. The Browns’ next move could determine whether this franchise finally turns the corner or remains mediocrity.
The reality is, in the NFL, teams make mistakes all the time. No organization is immune, whether it’s a draft bust, a bad trade, or a misstep in free agency. Had the Cleveland Browns and Myles Garrett decided to part ways, the Browns could have secured a massive return in a trade. Garrett, a generational talent, could have easily fetched multiple first- and second-round picks, offering the Browns the draft capital to build a more well-rounded roster.
But now that Garrett and the Browns have committed to each other for the long term, the front office’s focus must shift to the quarterback position. While Garrett can single-handedly disrupt games on defense, football remains a quarterback-driven league. To capitalize on Garrett’s prime, the Browns need a quarterback who can match his impact on the offensive side of the ball.
The options are limited but not impossible. The Browns could explore short-term veteran solutions like Kirk Cousins or Sam Darnold, providing a bridge while they search for a more permanent answer. Alternatively, the draft offers intriguing possibilities. If Cameron Ward falls to the Browns at the second overall pick, it might be too good an opportunity to pass up. Shedeur Sanders is another option despite his draft stock being a bit volatile.
Regardless of their path, the Browns have to make this decision right. Myles Garrett’s new deal, reportedly worth $40 million annually with $123.5 million guaranteed, is a significant investment. However, the value of this investment will only be fully realized if Cleveland can find a quarterback who can lead them into contention. The Browns roster has talent, but without a reliable quarterback, they will continue to struggle in the loaded AFC.
With Garrett now secured, the pressure is on the Browns’ front office. Their decisions in the coming months will determine whether this franchise can finally become a consistent playoff contender or if they’ll remain mired in mediocrity. The clock is ticking, and the Browns must act decisively to maximize Garrett’s prime and bring meaningful success to Cleveland.
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