“You deserve every penny,” Myles Garrett, a Texas A&M alumnus, said in reference to his new contract.

In the world of professional football, few moments in a player’s career are as satisfying as earning a substantial contract that recognizes their talent, hard work, and commitment to the game. For Myles Garrett, one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL and a proud Texas A&M alumnus, his new contract represents not only the culmination of years of dedication but also a reflection of his status as one of the most dominant defensive players in the league. Upon signing his landmark deal, Garrett’s words—”You deserve every penny”—echoed not just as an affirmation of his own worth, but as a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence.

As the Cleveland Browns edge rusher prepares to take on the next chapter of his career, his monumental contract serves as a milestone in both his professional life and the broader context of the NFL. In this analysis, we’ll delve into Garrett’s journey from Texas A&M to the NFL, the significance of his new contract, and the implications it has on both his future and the league.

Myles Garrett: The Texas A&M Standout

Before Myles Garrett was breaking records in the NFL, he was a star at Texas A&M, where his extraordinary talent as a defensive end was first recognized on a national scale. Born and raised in Arlington, Texas, Garrett quickly became one of the most highly touted recruits in the country. He committed to Texas A&M in 2014, joining a program that was rebuilding and eager for impact players to put them on the map in the competitive SEC.

At Texas A&M, Garrett made an immediate impact, establishing himself as one of the best pass rushers in college football. His combination of size, speed, strength, and agility made him nearly unstoppable on the field. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 272 pounds, Garrett’s physical presence was matched by his exceptional athleticism. He quickly became known for his ability to disrupt quarterbacks and make plays in the backfield, regardless of the competition.

Garrett’s time in College Station was marked by incredible individual accomplishments. He set multiple records at Texas A&M, including breaking the school’s all-time sack record, and was named a consensus All-American in 2016. He also became the first player in school history to record 10 sacks in back-to-back seasons, which helped solidify his reputation as one of the top pass rushers in college football. Garrett’s raw talent and production on the field made him an obvious choice for the 2017 NFL Draft, where he was selected as the number one overall pick by the Cleveland Browns.

Garrett’s achievements at Texas A&M helped pave the way for his future success in the NFL. He was not only a dominant force on the field but also a leader in the locker room, known for his work ethic, his commitment to improvement, and his strong moral compass. His time at Texas A&M laid the foundation for the remarkable career that was to come.

The Cleveland Browns Selection and Early NFL Career

When Myles Garrett was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2017, expectations were sky-high. The Browns, long struggling to rebuild their franchise, were hopeful that Garrett would be the missing piece to transform their defense and eventually their entire team.

Garrett’s transition to the NFL was seamless. In his rookie season, he recorded seven sacks and was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team. However, it was clear that Garrett had much more potential than his already impressive stats indicated. His ability to get to the quarterback was unparalleled, and his versatility—able to rush from multiple positions—made him a nightmare for offensive lines.

Over the next several seasons, Garrett would evolve into one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers. In 2020, he had a career-high 12 sacks, and in 2021, he was named an All-Pro for the second time in his career. Garrett’s dominance on the field has made him a perennial Pro Bowler and a cornerstone of the Browns’ defense. His combination of speed, power, and technique allows him to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, and he has earned recognition as one of the best defensive players in the league.

As Garrett’s performance on the field continued to impress, so did his leadership off the field. He became a captain for the Browns, taking on more responsibility and inspiring his teammates through his work ethic and discipline. Garrett’s leadership was evident both in practices and in games, as he constantly pushed himself and his team to improve.

The New Contract: A Landmark Deal for Garrett

In 2025, Myles Garrett signed a historic contract that cements his place among the top-earning defensive players in the NFL. The new deal, which includes a reported $170 million in total value with $125 million guaranteed, makes Garrett one of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history. This contract is a testament to Garrett’s ability, his influence on the game, and his continued evolution as one of the league’s premier talents.

Garrett’s new contract is not just a financial windfall for the player—it’s a reflection of the value that the Browns place on his contributions to the team. By locking him up for the long term, the Browns have ensured that one of the best pass rushers in the game will continue to lead their defense for the foreseeable future. The contract not only rewards Garrett for his past performance but also acknowledges his potential to keep improving and dominating in the years to come.

The Browns’ decision to invest in Garrett reflects the league’s growing emphasis on securing elite pass rushers, as the ability to pressure quarterbacks is one of the most important elements in modern football. With teams increasingly focusing on high-powered passing offenses, having a player like Garrett who can disrupt the quarterback is invaluable.

For Garrett, this contract represents a validation of his hard work and dedication. “You deserve every penny,” he said after the deal was announced. While those words were likely meant to recognize his own journey, they also reflect the appreciation he has for his team, coaches, and family who have supported him throughout his career. The contract not only affirms his financial worth but also underscores his importance to the Browns’ defense, making Garrett a cornerstone of their future success.

Garrett’s Role in the Browns’ Future

Looking ahead, Myles Garrett’s new contract positions him as a key figure in the Cleveland Browns’ ongoing efforts to build a championship contender. The Browns have struggled in recent years to put together a complete team capable of contending for a Super Bowl, but Garrett’s leadership on the defensive side of the ball gives them a strong foundation to build upon.

Garrett is the type of player who can take over games. His ability to create pressure from the edge and disrupt opposing quarterbacks is a rare skill that not only impacts individual games but also has a cumulative effect on the overall success of a team. By locking Garrett up with a long-term deal, the Browns are ensuring that they have a game-changer on their side for the next several years.

Garrett’s presence will also help shape the development of other young players on the Browns’ defense. His work ethic, preparation, and understanding of the game will serve as a model for younger players, and his leadership will help elevate the defense as a whole. With Garrett leading the charge, the Browns’ defense could become one of the league’s most formidable units, which will be crucial as they continue to build a team that can compete in the competitive AFC North.

The Bigger Picture: Myles Garrett’s Impact on the NFL

Myles Garrett’s contract extension is not just significant for the Browns—it’s also a reflection of the broader trends in the NFL. The league’s growing emphasis on pass rushers and their value in the modern game has led to a market where elite edge rushers are among the highest-paid players in the league. Garrett’s deal is just the latest example of how teams are willing to invest heavily in players who can affect the outcome of games by disrupting the quarterback.

As the NFL evolves, Garrett’s skill set—his ability to generate pressure from the edge, disrupt passing plays, and force turnovers—becomes even more valuable. Quarterbacks are more important than ever, and a player who can take them off their rhythm is a game-changer. The growing demand for pass rushers is reflected in the contracts of players like Garrett, who is widely considered one of the best in the business.

Beyond the financial impact, Garrett’s new deal further solidifies his legacy as one of the top players in the NFL. His consistent dominance on the field, combined with his commitment to improving and growing as a leader, sets him apart as one of the most complete defensive players of his generation.