Myles Garrett, a Texas A&M legend, signs a huge contract extension with Cleveland.

In the world of professional football, few players have made the kind of impact that Myles Garrett has had both on and off the field. A Texas A&M legend and one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL, Garrett’s recent contract extension with the Cleveland Browns is a testament to his exceptional talent, work ethic, and the undeniable value he brings to the team. Garrett’s new contract, which will keep him in Cleveland for the foreseeable future, solidifies his position as one of the premier defensive players in the league and ensures that he will continue to be a key part of the Browns’ defense for years to come.

This article delves into Myles Garrett’s journey from a highly recruited player at Texas A&M to an NFL superstar with the Cleveland Browns. It will examine how Garrett’s career has developed, the impact of his recent contract extension, and what his future holds as one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL.

Myles Garrett’s Rise to Fame at Texas A&M

Before Myles Garrett became a household name in the NFL, he was making waves in college football as a standout defensive player for the Texas A&M Aggies. Born and raised in Arlington, Texas, Garrett was an exceptional athlete from a young age. His combination of size, athleticism, and speed was unmatched, making him a coveted recruit coming out of high school. Garrett’s recruitment process was heavily scrutinized, with many of the top football programs in the country vying for his commitment. Ultimately, Garrett chose to stay in-state and play for the Texas A&M Aggies under head coach Kevin Sumlin.

Garrett’s impact at Texas A&M was immediate. As a true freshman in 2014, he made an instant impression on the field, recording 11.5 sacks and 53 tackles, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors. His explosiveness off the edge, combined with his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, quickly established him as one of the top defensive players in the nation. Over the next few seasons, Garrett continued to develop and refine his game, becoming the centerpiece of the Aggies’ defense. He went on to set a Texas A&M record for career sacks, finishing with 31 sacks and becoming a dominant force in the SEC.

Garrett’s time at Texas A&M also helped to elevate the program’s profile on the national stage. His presence as a game-changer on the defensive line, paired with his relentless motor and physicality, made him one of the most feared pass rushers in college football. During his sophomore year, Garrett earned First-Team All-SEC honors and continued to improve as he gained more experience. By the time Garrett declared for the 2017 NFL Draft, he had firmly cemented his status as one of the top defensive prospects in recent memory.

NFL Draft and Cleveland Browns Selection

When the 2017 NFL Draft rolled around, Myles Garrett’s name was one of the first off the board. The Cleveland Browns, looking to rebuild their defense, selected Garrett with the first overall pick. This marked the beginning of what would become an incredibly successful NFL career. Garrett’s selection was seen as a no-brainer, given his impressive skill set and the immediate impact he could have on a defense that had struggled in recent years.

Garrett’s rookie season in 2017 was everything the Browns had hoped for. Despite missing some games due to injury, he still managed to record 7 sacks in 11 games, quickly showing that he had the ability to change the course of a game with his ability to pressure the quarterback. His presence on the field was felt immediately, as he often attracted double teams and forced opposing offenses to adjust their game plans around his positioning. Garrett’s ability to disrupt plays and get to the quarterback set him apart from many of his peers, and his potential as one of the league’s top defenders was evident from the start.

Over the next few years, Garrett continued to live up to the hype. He became the anchor of the Browns’ defense and was recognized for his ability to rush the passer with elite speed and power. In 2020, Garrett had one of his best seasons to date, recording 12 sacks and earning a Pro Bowl selection. His performance that season solidified his place among the league’s best pass rushers and demonstrated his potential to be a game-changer for the Browns for years to come.

The Contract Extension: A Huge Deal for Garrett and the Browns

After a few years of strong performances, Myles Garrett was in line for a big payday. In July 2020, Garrett and the Cleveland Browns agreed to a massive contract extension that would keep him in Cleveland through the 2026 season. The contract, worth $125 million with $100 million guaranteed, made Garrett the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history at the time. This monumental deal was a testament to Garrett’s status as one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL and his importance to the Browns’ defense.

The $125 million extension was an indication of the confidence the Browns had in Garrett as the centerpiece of their defense. With the extension, Garrett would continue to be the face of the franchise’s defensive unit, and his leadership would be key to the Browns’ continued success on that side of the ball. For Garrett, the contract extension was a reflection of the hard work and dedication he had put into his craft since entering the league. He had proven himself to be worth the investment, and this deal allowed him to focus on his future with the Browns and cement his legacy as one of the NFL’s best defenders.

While Garrett’s contract extension was a major financial achievement, it was also a significant moment for the Cleveland Browns as a team. It showed that the organization was committed to building a championship-caliber defense around Garrett. With the extension in place, the Browns were able to focus on surrounding Garrett with more talent, knowing that they had a cornerstone player to build around for the next several years.

Garrett’s Impact on the Browns

Myles Garrett’s impact on the Cleveland Browns cannot be overstated. He has quickly become the heart and soul of the team’s defense and is one of the league’s most feared pass rushers. His ability to disrupt the quarterback, generate pressure on passing downs, and be a constant force in the trenches has made him a game-changer for the Browns.

In addition to his on-field success, Garrett’s leadership and professionalism have been instrumental in the development of the Browns’ defense. He is not only an exceptional player but also a mentor to the younger players on the team. His work ethic and dedication to improving every day have made him a role model for others on the roster, and his commitment to elevating those around him has helped foster a culture of growth and improvement within the team.

Garrett’s ability to be a consistent game-wrecker on the edge has allowed the Browns to be competitive in many of their games, especially in tight matchups where the defense needs to make a crucial stop. His skill set as both a pass rusher and an all-around defensive player makes him one of the most well-rounded players in the NFL. His versatility allows him to line up at different spots along the defensive line, giving defensive coordinators the flexibility to get creative with how they use him in different situations.

What’s Next for Garrett and the Cleveland Browns?

Looking ahead, Myles Garrett’s future with the Cleveland Browns remains bright. With his new contract extension, he is locked in as a key piece of the team’s future, and his leadership will be integral to the Browns’ pursuit of success. As one of the most dominant defenders in the NFL, Garrett will continue to be a focal point of the team’s defensive schemes, and his ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt offensive plays will be critical to the Browns’ ability to compete in the ultra-competitive AFC North.

The Browns are entering a new era under head coach Kevin Stefanski, and with Garrett locked in as the centerpiece of their defense, they have a solid foundation on which to build. If the team can continue to improve on offense and address key areas of need, Garrett’s presence on the defense could help propel the Browns into contention for the AFC Championship and beyond.

For Garrett, the sky’s the limit. After signing his huge contract extension, he is set to remain one of the highest-paid players in the NFL, but his ultimate goal is to win a Super Bowl. Garrett has the talent and the determination to help lead the Browns to a championship, and with his new contract, he is committed to doing whatever it takes to reach that pinnacle.