• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 9, 2025

Myles Garrett’s Record Deal Resets the NFL Market for Edge Rushers

Myles Garrett agreed to a $40 million per year deal, eclipsing Maxx Crosby as the highest-paid non-QB in the league.

Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The NFL market has determined that edge rushers are the second-most-important position in the league—at least for now.

Myles Garrett agreed to a four-year deal with the Browns worth an average annual value of $40 million per year, making him the highest-paid non-QB in the NFL, according to ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter. The deal comes just a month after Garrett had requested a trade from Cleveland.

The 29-year-old eclipsed fellow defensive end Maxx Crosby, who signed a three-year, $106.5 million deal last Wednesday with an average annual value of $35.5 million.

Entering the 2024 season, wide receiver Justin Jefferson held the mantle with a $35 million per year average on his four-year, $140 million deal signed last June. Receiver CeeDee Lamb and edge rusher Nick Bosa followed with $34 million per year. Bosa signed a five-year, $170 million contract in 2023, and received $122.5 million in guaranteed money.

Garrett’s deal also comes with $123.5 million in guaranteed money, also the most for a non-QB. 

Open Market

The market value for pass rushers has risen significantly due to Garrett’s contract, but there are still a pair of top-end players whose futures will be determined this offseason.

The Cowboys’ offseason agenda includes securing an extension for edge rusher Micah Parsons, and they could challenge the Browns by making the 25-year-old the highest-paid defensive player in the league.

“I don’t necessarily know that there’s a lot of extenuating situations out there that would [prevent] us from being able to get our hands around something with Micah, but we’ll see,” Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said in late February

Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who led the league with 17.5 sacks in 2024, is also on the market after Cincinnati announced last week they granted him permission to seek a trade. The 30-year-old is signed for one-year, $21 million and is in line for an extension with a new franchise.

However, Garrett’s record deal and the possible deals of Parsons and Hendrickson don’t assure that a defensive player will enter the 2025 season as the highest-paid non-QB. The Bengals are still negotiating a contract with wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who could keep that distinction with a new deal.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 1, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the field before the game at Kenan Stadium

UNC’s Disastrous Season Continues With Report of NCAA Rules Violation

A UNC cornerbacks coach reportedly gave sideline passes to a player’s family.
Hymie Elhai

Jets Say Execs Tried to Sink Team President in Bumbling Conspiracy

The team says thousands of deleted text messages show the plot.
exclusive

Bud Selig: ‘Remarkable’ Brewers Run Can’t Mask MLB’s Money Divide

The former commissioner lauds his hometown team while raising economic concerns.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Mar 15, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) reacts after scoring a goal during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center.

How Connor McDavid’s Extension Set Off a Wave of Big-Money Deals

Several notable contracts are completed in the wake of the superstar’s deal.
October 8, 2025

MLB’s Rare October Day: Four Playoff Games, Four Possible Clinchers

Four separate clinching opportunities are available during the day.
Alexis Ohanian
October 8, 2025

Alexis Ohanian Tweaks Track Rivals With Promise of Instant Payments

Athletes will be paid minutes after finishing their races at Athlos.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
October 7, 2025

‘Absolutely Ridiculous’: Trump Blasts NFL Over Bad Bunny Choice

The president predictably panned the NFL’s selection of the Puerto Rican superstar.
Maverick Carter, LeBron James
exclusive
October 7, 2025

New International Basketball League Plans Launch, Without Maverick Carter

The venture plans to launch men’s and women’s leagues next fall.
Taylor Swift
October 7, 2025

Taylor Swift Explains Why She Isn’t Playing Super Bowl Halftime

She said she’s “too locked in” on Travis Kelce’s season to perform.
October 7, 2025

NHL Skates Into Season With Record Revenue, Rising Cap, and Labor Peace

The new season begins after a productive and historic summer.