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The Cleveland Browns and defensive end Myles Garrett are getting ever so close to agreeing to a contract extension.
That is according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who says the extension is for five years and $125 million, with a $50 million signing bonus and $100 million in guaranteed money overall:
The #Browns and star pass-rusher Myles Garrett are closing in on a 5-year extension worth $125M, sources say. Another massive deal, this time for $25M in new money per year. Their top priority of this offseason and they are in the final stages.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 14, 2020
The rumors that the Browns and Garrett have been working on an extension have been around at least since early May, when general manager Andrew Berry picked up Garrett’s fifth-year option, ensuring that he would remain with the team for at least two more years.
If the two sides can reach agreement on an extension, the deal would keep Garrett with the Browns through the 2026 season. He is reportedly taking a physical today and could sign as early as Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Jake Trotter.
According to NFL.com, Garrett’s average of $25 million in new money under the extension would make his contract the league’s best among defenders, surpassing Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (an average of $22.5 million per year) and Chicago Bears linebacker Khalil Mack ($23.5 million on average per year).
Perhaps knowing that his turn is coming down the road, quarterback Baker Mayfield Tweeted out his excitement over the news:
Well deserved!!! Let’s get it @MylesLGarrett https://t.co/Mrxkvy2CjE
— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) July 14, 2020
In 37 career games with the Browns, Garrett has posted 30.5 sacks and become one of the league’s best defensive ends. He had 10 sacks in 10 games last season, putting him on pace to break Reggie Camp’s franchise record of 14 sacks in a single season, a number that should once again be in jeopardy in 2020.
Overall, Garrett has 104 tackles, including 32 tackles for loss, since joining the Browns as the No. 1 overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft.