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Details on the extension for the #Browns and Myles Garrett: In his rather large 5-year, $125M extension, there are $100M in total guarantees and $50M fully guaranteed at signing. He’s now under contract 2026. https://t.co/873RKFYdbk
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 14, 2020
The bar has been set.
NFL reporter Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Cleveland Browns are giving defensive end Myles Garrett a massive new contract that will make him the highest-paid defensive player of all time based on annual salary. But why does this $125 million contract matter to the Steelers?
First and foremost it sets the market for edge rushers. This is vital when you consider Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt will be hitting the free-agent market after the 2021 season. Watt might not be the same player but this is in name only. In terms of talent and value to the team, Watt is every bit the equal of Garrett and in many cases does more for his defense.
When Watt’s representatives are negotiating a new contract with the Steelers, these are the numbers they will look to match and exceed. But for the Steelers this puts them in dangerous territory.
The structure of this contract as it is being reported is very un-Steeler like. That $50 million upon signing is not something the Steelers do so it will be interesting to see if Watt is ok with getting his massive new deal in a structure the way Pittsburgh does it or will this not only be a massive contract but also set a precedent with the Steelers for all free agents to come?
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