Myles Garrett, one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL, has made history by becoming the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history. The Cleveland Browns secured their star pass rusher with a $204.8 million contract extension, guaranteeing him $122.8 million over the next four years, fending off interest from the Buffalo Bills who were said to be keen on the player.
The Browns’ decision to commit such a massive sum to Garrett shows his importance to the team. However, given Cleveland‘s ongoing struggles at quarterback, analysts and fans alike are skeptical about whether Garrett will ever have the opportunity to contend for a championship with the franchise.
Sharpe calls out Garrett’s priorities
During a recent episode of the Night Cap podcast, Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe dissected Garrett’s decision, suggesting that it was primarily driven by financial security rather than aspirations for a title with a team like the Bills.
“How are you going to win now? You ain’t got no quarterback,” Sharpe remarked. “You’re in the same position. The only difference that Myles Garrett is in now is that he’s got $123 million guaranteed… That is the only thing that has changed. Nothing has changed toward them winning… Who are they going to win with?”
Sharpe‘s concerns reflect a broader issue within the Browns organization-their inability to find a consistent, elite quarterback. Despite Garrett‘s All-Pro dominance, a defensive player alone cannot carry a team to a championship.
Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson sees the Browns’ side
While Sharpe criticized Garrett’s decision, Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson provided an alternative perspective. The former Cincinnati Bengals receiver pointed out that Cleveland never had any real intention of trading Garrett, meaning the pass rusher had little choice but to stay.
“We know how to get you to want to be here, we’re going to pay you… They weren’t letting him go anyways,” Ochocinco explained. “You’re stuck between a rock and a hard place because they already said ‘We’re not trading you.’ …Management doesn’t want to lose the centerpiece of that defense.”
For Garrett, remaining in Cleveland wasn’t necessarily about chasing mediocrity-it was about recognizing the reality of his situation. The Browns made it clear they wouldn’t part ways with him, so cashing in on the largest defensive contract ever became his best option.
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