Myles Garrett, a Cleveland Browns defensive end, was allegedly on the want list of multiple NFL teams if the Browns had accepted his initial trade request, with the Eagles among those intrigued. However, any possibility of acquiring Garrett was dashed on Sunday when the Browns signed him to a four-year, $160 million contract extension, with $123.5 million guaranteed.
Given Garrett’s pass rush ability, the Eagles’ rumored interest in him was predictable. Adding him to an already great defensive line would have significantly improved the Eagles’ defense. Garrett expressed interest in the Eagles during a radio interview leading up to Super Bowl LIX, describing them as a “hell of a destination”.
Garrett, a four-time All-Pro and the 2023 AP Defensive Player of the Year, now has a deal that will affect the Eagles in a variety of ways.
Here’s how Garrett’s new contract affects the Eagles and some of their opponents:
The Eagles keep their draft picks.
During the Senior Bowl, Browns general manager Andrew Berry was questioned if two first-round picks would have been enough to begin trade negotiations for Garrett, but Berry was certain that Garrett would not be moved. If a deal had been reached, it would have cost the Eagles enormous draft capital – not only two first-round picks, but maybe two more as well.
With the Eagles requiring depth on both the offensive and defensive lines, keeping their draft picks is critical. Furthermore, the organization has made huge investments to keep offensive starters, with nine of 11 under contract at high pay. Building through the draft remains a goal for the Eagles as they balance their financial obligations.
Impact on NFC East competitors
Garrett’s contract extension has far-reaching consequences beyond the Eagles. The Washington Commanders were allegedly interested in trading for Garrett, with the Eagles said to be “aggressive” in providing a greater trade package to keep him from joining a division foe.
The Commanders, who tied for 11th in the league with 43 sacks last season and had eight sacks in three games versus the Eagles, would have been much more difficult to defend with Garrett on the roster. Garrett had four tackles, two tackles for loss, and blocked a field goal that former Eagles safety Rodney McLeod returned 50 yards for a touchdown in his only game against the Eagles last season, a Week 6 Browns victory.
Although Washington missed out on Garrett, they might now focus on another edge rusher, such as Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Avoiding a scenario in which a division opponent adds a top-five defender is a victory for the Eagles.
Garrett’s extension also has an impact on the Dallas Cowboys, since it sets a precedent for their own top edge rusher, Micah Parsons, who is likely to receive a hefty contract extension. Parsons commented on social media after learning about Garrett’s new contract, looking surprised that Garrett would stay with the Browns and the size of the agreement. That number will take up a significant portion of their salary budget, limiting the movements they may make in free agency.
In his first four seasons in the league, Parsons has 10 more sacks (52.5) than Garrett (42.5). The Cowboys will most likely have to pay him more than $40 million a year to make him, at least for a short time, the highest-paid edge rusher in the league, especially given his age of 25. That sum of money
Josh Sweat’s market worth grows.
Garrett’s new contract might also have financial ramifications for the Eagles, particularly defensive end Josh Sweat.
Sweat, a past Pro Bowl pick with eight sacks last season, is slated to enter free agency this offseason. With Garrett resetting the market for pass rushers, Sweat’s asking price is sure to increase. The Eagles already faced long odds of keeping Sweat, and the increased market value has made it far less likely that he will return.
Sweat joins a strong free agent class of pass rushers that includes Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Chase Young, and Haason Reddick. Garrett’s deal, on the other hand, may make it even more difficult for the Eagles to keep Sweat in Philadelphia.
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