As the NFL offseason approaches, Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett finds himself at a crossroads. The 28-year-old, who has spent his entire seven-year career with the Browns since being drafted first overall in 2017, wants clarity on the organization’s plans for the future – especially at the quarterback position.
Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has made it clear he wants to stay loyal to the Browns, the team that showed immense faith in him by selecting him with the top pick. However, after enduring yet another double-digit loss season in 2024, Garrett’s patience is wearing thin. He wants to compete for a contender and make deep playoff runs, not languish in a perpetual state of rebuilding.
Illuminating the Path Forward
That’s why Garrett is seeking a meeting with Browns decision-makers, including head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry, to discuss the team’s offseason agenda. The pass-rushing phenom wants them to, in his words, “illuminate” and “illustrate” a timeline for building a playoff-caliber roster around him.
“I want to stay loyal to a team that showed loyalty to me and faith in me by drafting me,” Garrett explained. “But we have to do, at the end of the day, what’s best for us. If we have that alignment where winning and going deep in the playoffs is still possible in the near future, that would really keep my mind at rest.”
Quarterback Quandary
Central to those discussions will undoubtedly be the team’s plan at quarterback. The Browns are set to start rookie 5th-round pick Dorian Thompson-Robinson on Sunday, their 40th different starting QB since the franchise returned to Cleveland in 1999. Franchise QB Deshaun Watson, acquired via blockbuster trade in 2022, is out for the season after tearing his Achilles in Week 7.
“Whether (Thompson-Robinson) is the solution or someone else is, it’s got to be drawn out. There’s got to be a plan of action.”
– Myles Garrett on the Browns’ QB situation
Whoever lines up under center for the Browns in 2025 and beyond will likely play a pivotal role in Garrett’s long-term future with the team. The 3-time All-Pro edge rusher has played in just 3 career playoff games and isn’t interested in a lengthy rebuild as he enters his prime.
Contract Considerations
Garrett has 2 years left on the 5-year, $125M contract extension he signed in 2020, which at the time made him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. Restructuring his deal this offseason could give the cap-strapped Browns some much-needed financial flexibility. But Garrett seems to be making it clear any renegotiation will be contingent on the team presenting a convincing contention timeline.
- Garrett’s focus is on playing “meaningful games” past January
- He wants to finish career in Cleveland but not at expense of annual contention
The onus now falls on the Browns’ leadership to present Garrett with a vision and plan he can believe in. After a second straight losing season since the Watson trade, it’s an inflection point that could chart the course of the franchise for years to come. Keeping a talent like Garrett satisfied and motivated to stay should be one of the organization’s top priorities this offseason.
All eyes will be on Berea to see how the Myles Garrett situation unfolds and whether the Browns can convince their cornerstone defender that brighter days are on the imminent horizon. If not, one of the NFL’s most fearsome pass rushers could be looking for greener pastures sooner than later.
