(Photo by: Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Browns announced on Wednesday afternoon that former No.1 overall pick and the 2018 Pro Bowler has signed a five year contract extension that will keep him in a Browns uniform through the 2026 season.
Browns GM Andrew Berry says “One of our fundamental organizational beliefs is identifying young players on our roster and proactively retaining them as part of our present and future core. We go through great lengths to select players whose make-up and performance embody the characteristics we are looking for within our team. Today, we’re delighted that Myles Garrett will be a Cleveland Brown for many years to come” Berry also said “Myles’ rare physical gifts in conjunction with his work ethic, intellect and humility have been the catalysts behind an auspicious start to his young career. Despite his early individual successes, Myles maintains the same drive toward greatness that he displayed as a 22-year old rookie. We firmly believe that this intense focus means the best is yet to come.”
Myles throughout his young career has been a force to be reckon with on the field. Over his three seasons, he has recorded 30.5 sacks in 37 games, which the most ever by a Browns players in his first three season. He has also recorded 104 tackles, eight for a loss, and forced six fumbles in that time.
“In 2017, the Cleveland Browns bet on me,” Garrett said. “This city quickly became my home and these people quickly became my family. I’m eternally grateful for this opportunity, the support of my friends and family, the organization, my teammates, the fans—I could go on forever, but even that wouldn’t be enough time to express my gratitude. I’ll just say this: Keep betting on me, Cleveland, because I won’t let you down. Now, let’s get to work.”
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski said “I think it's really important for us as an organization to cement Myles' status here for a really long time,” “He was drafted No. 1 overall, and you've seen over the years what an extremely bright future this young player has. I think it was a prudent decision on Andrew's part and Myles' part to keep Myles here for many productive seasons. Myles' skillset, I think, is still scratching the surface. He's young, and I can't wait to get our hands on him and put him in this scheme and let him loose.
“He's as disruptive as they come. He's big, long, fast, quick and has a motor. He checks all the boxes. I think he fits so perfectly into what we want to be schematically in terms of getting off the football and being in attack mode for 60 minutes.”