Myles Garrett's trade request is always controversial, and David Njoku didn't want their best defender to leave. Fortunately, the defensive end and the Cleveland Browns have locked in the deal to secure Garrett.

The All-Pro edge rusher has signed a record-breaking contract, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

Myles Garrett's Historic Contract Extension

Cleveland Browns Convince Myles Garrett to Stay, Agree to 4-Year Cleveland Browns Convince Myles Garrett to Stay, Agree to 4-Year
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Per ESPN's Adam Schefter via Bleacher Report, Garrett's new contract averages $40 million annually and comes with a whopping $123.5 million in guaranteed funds. The deal also contains a no-trade clause, making Garrett a long-term commitment to Cleveland.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport provided more information on the deal, confirming the Browns' confidence that Garrett is the answer to their defensive success.

Myles Garrett's Trade Request is a Result of His Super Bowl Dream

Prior to agreeing to the extension, Garrett allegedly asked for a trade on Feb. 3, stating he wanted to play on the largest stages. In a statement that Rapoport provided, Garrett said he didn't want to be "complacent" in a position where a Super Bowl push seemed impossible.

The Browns, though, assured their defensive star that they were dedicated to constructing a championship-type team around him. With this contract extension, Garrett has renewed his confidence in the new direction of the franchise.

How Dominant is Garrett in the Field

For Patrick Mahomes, stopping Myles Garrett is a top priority for the Kansas City Chiefs. The 29-year-old quarterback said that ahead of the Week 15 match against the Browns.

The extension follows a second-consecutive dominant year for Garrett. Following his 2023 Defensive Player of the Year award, he responded with 14.0 sacks and a league-leading 22 tackles for loss in 2024.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski was quick to sing Garrett's praises, saying following the 2024 season he couldn't "see how Garrett wasn't the best defensive player in the National Football League again."

General manager Andrew Berry backed up this position, affirming that Garrett was off-limits, even if it cost them several first-round draft picks.

Why the Browns Had to Pay Garrett Like the NFL's Best Defender

Garrett's toughness and dependability have been a godsend for Cleveland's defense. During the past four years, he has played only two games that have been missed while providing consistently elite production. His capacity to register at least 14.0 sacks and 17 tackles for loss every season makes him one of the league's premier defenders.

The Browns' decision to sign Garrett to an extension was more than monetary—it was a statement. They believe he is the foundation of their defense and the most important piece in their quest for an NFL championship.

Cleveland Could Target its 2025 NFL Draft Plans

With Garrett locked away, the Browns now need to concentrate on building their roster through the 2025 NFL Draft. With the No. 2 overall selection, Cleveland badly needs a quarterback after Deshaun Watson's second Achilles tear.

Along with their number one selection, the Browns have eight other picks, including the second-round number one. Garrett will surely wish that the team utilizes these resources effectively to construct a strong team that can make a long playoff run.

If Garrett continues to play as dominant as he has, then this deal will be a steal and not an overpay. The question now for Cleveland, however, is how to construct a team around Garrett to help them finally break through in the AFC and become a Super Bowl contender.