Myles Garrett is now officially the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, but his groundbreaking contract wouldn’t have been possible without the skill and determination of his agent, Nicole Lynn.
Representing one of the league’s most dominant defenders, Lynn has once again made history herself while shaping the future for athletes like Garrett.
Garrett, drafted first overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2017, has become a cornerstone of the franchise. His 352 total tackles and 14 sacks last season highlight his defensive dominance.
Yet, despite his success, Garrett recently expressed doubts about his future in Cleveland, voicing frustration about the team’s direction and even considering a trade.
“It’s not a decision I take lightly,” Garrett told Rich Eisen, as cited by Cleveland.com. “It took time and lots of conversation, but just looking at the trajectory of the team, talking to some of the higher-ups…
“I want to be able to go out there and compete at the highest levels, day in and day out, and play for championships.”
However, after deep conversations and hard negotiations, Garrett signed a four-year, $204.8 million contract extension, which includes $122.8 million guaranteed and a no-trade clause, securing his future in Cleveland through 2030.
The contract will see him earning approximately $40 million per season, marking a pivotal moment in NFL history for a non-quarterback.
Nicole Lynn’s Historic Role in NFL Contracts
Nicole Lynn, now President of Football Operations at Klutch Sports, is no stranger to breaking records herself.
In 2023, she became the first black woman to represent a quarterback in the Super Bowl when she stood behind Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles. And now, she has cemented her place among the NFL’s top agents by finalizing Garrett‘s deal.
Lynn celebrated the moment on Instagram, reflecting on her journey with Garrett “Congrats to client, Myles Garrett, on becoming the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history!! A decade ago you took a meeting with a young agent just trying to catch a break.
“Three years ago, it all came back around full circle when you chose me to be your agent. It is an absolute honor to represent you, something I do not take for granted. Thank you for trusting me and our incredible team! By the way: you deserve every penny of that $204M deal.”
This isn’t Lynn‘s first major contract negotiation. She was instrumental in securing Quinnen Williams‘ $96 million extension with the New York Jets, which made him the second-highest-paid defensive tackle in the league at the time.
Booger McFarland, a two-time Super Bowl champion, praised Lynn’s success and what it means for representation in sports: “Also congrats to Nicole Lynn. Let’s celebrate this Black woman who continues to take the agent game to a new level.”
Why Garrett Chose to Stay in Cleveland
Despite earlier trade rumors, Garrett‘s decision to stay with the Browns was influenced by a change of heart and a desire to help build a winning team. Lynn explained that Garrett was eager to finalize the deal before free agency began so he could assist in attracting top talent to Cleveland.
“Andrew Berry and I spent the last 36 hours getting the deal done, basically,” Lynn told Cleveland.com. “Myles had a change of heart and he’s excited to go from Cleveland to Canton and chase a championship in Ohio.
“When he made that decision, he said, ‘I want to get this done before free agency so I can start recruiting free agents, so I can help the team.’ And I said ‘Alright, we have 24 hours to get this done.'”
With his future secured, Garrett now aims to lead the Browns back into contention, fueled by a renewed commitment to the team and a desire to bring a Super Bowl title to Cleveland.
Thanks to Nicole Lynn‘s trailblazing leadership, Garrett‘s deal isn’t just about money-it’s about legacy, both for him and for the agents breaking barriers behind the scenes.
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