Myles Garrett became the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history earlier this year when he signed his name to a four-year, $160 million deal with the Cleveland Browns. Cam Newton was asked if the move made sense from a professional standpoint.
The Cleveland Browns were desperate to keep their biggest star around. Myles Garrett had one foot out the door, so they threw as much money as they could at him, shattering the market for the position and the rest of the league.
Cam Newton’s stance on Myles Garrett’s decision
It’s important to note here that Myles Garrett wanted out of Cleveland. He had formally requested a trade following a miserable 3-14 season, seeking winning ways elsewhere.
He wrote on social media:
“As a kid dreaming of the NFL, all I focused on was the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl – and that goal fuels me today more than ever.”
He went on to say:
“While I’ve loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won’t allow me to be complacent. The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl”
… or to sign a contract worth $160 million.
Barely a month after submitting his trade request on social media, Garrett inked his name to four more years in Cleveland, to the tune of $40 million a season.
The deal featured $123 million guaranteed, which blew the market for pass rushers out of the water. Maxx Crosby had signed just days earlier for $35.5 million per season on a three-year deal. Garrett’s contract has now caused problems for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals, with stars TJ Watt and Trey Hendrickson both seeking extensions.
Cam Newton was asked about the decision on his ‘4th and 1’ podcast. His co-host, Omari ‘Peggy’ Collins, asked:
“This pretty much says, I’m gonna get this money over winning, that’s what I’m valuing… Is he right or wrong for that?”
Cam Newton shouted:
“He ain’t wrong… Money talks! Myles Garrett hit ’em with the ‘I hate this place, but I love it at the same time. Guess I’ll get a little more comfortable'”
He went on to say that the Garrett contract wouldn’t fix the Browns’ problems by any stretch, comparing it to ‘slapping rims on a rusted-out ride!’.
Cleveland looking to rebuild within Myles Garrett window
The Cleveland Browns now have one of the greatest defensive playmakers in NFL history locked in until 2030, and they’re paying him a small fortune for the privilege.
The aim now will be to complete their rebuild in time to challenge in the AFC North while Garrett is at his best.
They’ve done a stellar job so far this offseason with key additions on both sides of the ball. One of their main problems last year was the lack of a consistent run game, so they drafted not one but two rookies in Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson to correct the issue.
Naturally, the number one question mark remains the quarterback. Cleveland have brought in four guys this offseason to compete for the job. They’re taking as many at bats as they can to try and get it right, and will be hoping to land the future of the franchise with either Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders.
If they hit on one of those two guys, maybe the Browns enter the conversation sooner than expected.
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