Texas A&M legend Myles Garrett faces scrutiny after signing a new deal, with critics questioning its long-term impact.

Myles Garrett, one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL, has earned the reputation of being an elite defensive force. His physical prowess, combined with his relentless approach to the game, has made him one of the best defensive players of his generation. From his early days as a star at Texas A&M to his rise as the cornerstone of the Cleveland Browns defense, Garrett’s journey has been closely watched by football fans and analysts alike.

In recent weeks, Garrett has found himself under the spotlight for reasons that are not directly related to his on-field performances. After signing a massive new deal with the Cleveland Browns, the star edge rusher has faced scrutiny from both fans and pundits who question the long-term implications of this deal on his career and the team’s salary cap flexibility. Critics are now asking if this contract is truly in the best interest of both Garrett and the Browns, or if it represents a potential misstep.

In this article, we will take a deeper look at Myles Garrett’s rise to stardom, his new deal, the criticisms surrounding it, and what it means for the future of both Garrett and the Cleveland Browns.

Myles Garrett’s Journey to NFL Stardom

Myles Garrett’s story began long before he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2017. Born in Arlington, Texas, Garrett was a highly touted high school recruit who made a name for himself on the football field early on. He attended James Martin High School, where he was a standout defensive lineman. His performances in high school earned him a five-star ranking, and it wasn’t long before college programs across the country took notice.

Garrett ultimately chose to play for Texas A&M, where he would become one of the most dominant defensive players in college football. In his freshman season at A&M, Garrett made an immediate impact, recording 11.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. He continued to improve in each of his seasons with the Aggies, and by the time he left for the NFL, Garrett had established himself as a generational talent. In just three years at Texas A&M, Garrett amassed 31 sacks, 47 tackles for loss, and 7 forced fumbles, earning All-SEC honors multiple times.

Garrett’s combination of size, athleticism, and natural pass-rushing ability made him a lock to go high in the 2017 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the first overall pick, and the rest, as they say, is history. From day one, Garrett proved to be a force to be reckoned with. His quickness, explosiveness, and ability to disrupt offenses made him one of the most feared pass rushers in the league.

Over the years, Garrett has become the face of the Browns’ defense, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and consistently ranking among the league’s leaders in sacks. His skill set is one of the most complete in the NFL: he is able to overpower offensive linemen with his strength, bend around the edge with his agility, and create pressure in all phases of the game. Garrett has shown an incredible ability to change the course of a game with a single play, whether it’s sacking the quarterback, forcing a fumble, or generating a key stop on third down.

The New Deal: Myles Garrett’s Massive Contract Extension

Garrett’s performance on the field eventually led to a monumental contract extension with the Cleveland Browns. In the offseason prior to the 2025 season, the Browns and Garrett agreed to a new deal that would keep the edge rusher in Cleveland for the foreseeable future. The new contract, which is worth over $150 million, makes Garrett one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league.

The contract extension was seen by many as a reward for Garrett’s exceptional play and his importance to the team. The Browns have invested heavily in their defense in recent years, and Garrett has been at the center of that effort. His leadership, talent, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses make him a key figure in the team’s championship aspirations.

However, despite the excitement surrounding Garrett’s new deal, the contract has sparked controversy. Some have questioned whether it was a wise move for the Browns to commit such a large sum of money to Garrett, especially given the team’s salary cap situation and the demands of building a championship-caliber roster. While Garrett is undeniably one of the best edge rushers in the NFL, the long-term implications of this deal could put pressure on the team’s ability to sign other key players or make moves to improve their roster.

Scrutiny Surrounding the Deal: Is It a Wise Investment?

The largest point of criticism regarding Garrett’s new deal is the amount of money committed to him. At over $150 million, Garrett’s extension is one of the largest contracts in NFL history for a defensive player. While his ability to rush the passer and create disruption in the backfield is undeniable, there are questions about whether this kind of financial commitment is sustainable for a team like the Browns, who are still in the process of rebuilding and positioning themselves for playoff contention.

One concern voiced by critics is the impact of the deal on the Browns’ salary cap flexibility. NFL teams are bound by a salary cap, and while it is possible to structure contracts in a way that minimizes immediate cap hits, the long-term ramifications of large contracts like Garrett’s can limit a team’s ability to make roster moves in the future. In a league where teams must constantly evaluate talent and adjust to changing dynamics, committing a significant portion of the cap to one player—no matter how talented—can be risky.

While Garrett’s impact on the field is clear, there are concerns that his contract may prevent the Browns from making necessary upgrades in other areas. For example, the team may find it difficult to secure top-tier talent at other positions, such as wide receiver, linebacker, or offensive line, if they are already allocating a large chunk of their budget to one player. Building a balanced and competitive roster requires the ability to make moves across multiple positions, and committing so much money to Garrett may limit the team’s ability to do so.

Additionally, some critics argue that Garrett’s position as an edge rusher, while important, may not justify such a large financial commitment. While edge rushers are invaluable in today’s NFL, the most successful teams are those that have elite quarterbacks and balanced rosters. There is a school of thought that argues that spending so much on a defensive player might not be the most effective use of resources, particularly if it hinders the ability to improve other positions.

Garrett’s Legacy: Will the Deal Define His Career?

One of the most interesting aspects of Garrett’s new deal is the pressure it places on him to deliver consistently for the Browns over the next several years. While he has already established himself as one of the best defensive players in the league, the magnitude of this contract brings with it high expectations. Garrett will need to continue to produce at an elite level, not only to justify his massive salary but also to ensure that the Browns can compete at the highest level.

While Garrett has been a standout player for Cleveland, the team has not yet reached the pinnacle of success. Despite his individual brilliance, the Browns have struggled to make a deep playoff run in recent years. The new contract raises the stakes, as the team’s success or failure in the coming years will be closely tied to Garrett’s performance. If the Browns continue to fall short of expectations, critics will inevitably question whether the large financial commitment to Garrett was worth it.

For Garrett, this deal represents a defining moment in his career. He is now one of the highest-paid players in the NFL, and his legacy will be shaped in part by the team’s success or failure in the years to come. There is no doubt that Garrett has the talent to be a game-changer, but his career will be defined by how he leads the Browns to sustained success and how they navigate the challenges posed by his new contract.

The Bigger Picture: The Changing Landscape of NFL Contracts

Garrett’s contract extension is not just a reflection of his individual talents; it is also a sign of the changing landscape of NFL contracts. As the salary cap continues to increase, players—especially those in high-demand positions like edge rusher—are earning more money than ever before. The new era of massive contracts has changed the way teams approach roster building, and Garrett’s deal serves as a prime example of this trend.

However, the increasing financial commitments to individual players have led to some difficult decisions for teams. While star players like Garrett deserve to be compensated for their contributions, teams must balance their investments across the roster to ensure long-term success. In many ways, Garrett’s contract represents the ongoing evolution of the NFL’s salary structure, where teams must manage the demands of star players with the need to build a well-rounded team.