Haslam: Browns challenging Garrett to become 'a real leader of the team'
The Cleveland Browns expect more from pass-rusher Myles Garrett after signing him to a historic extension this offseason.
"What we've challenged Myles on is, by his practice habits, by his actions, etc., to become a real leader of the team," owner Jimmy Haslam said this week at the NFL owners meetings, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. "And he has said he'd do that, and we're hopeful that he will be."
The former Defensive Player of the Year skipped most of the Browns' voluntary offseason program last year, according to Cabot.
The Browns signed Garrett to a record four-year, $160-million contract with $123.5 million guaranteed earlier this offseason. He previously requested a trade, and it had been reported that he was unwilling to sign an extension with Cleveland.
Garrett had cited a desire to compete elsewhere for a Super Bowl after the Browns finished 3-14 in 2024, their sixth losing season across Garrett's eight campaigns with the franchise. He said after inking his new deal that "it's never been about money; it's always been about winning."
The 29-year-old is set to enter the 2025 season with the largest annual salary among all NFL defenders at $40 million, per Spotrac.
Haslam said he understands why Garrett was dissatisfied with how last season went, but the team never seriously considered trading him.
"Listen, Myles was frustrated last year," Haslam said. "But hell, so are we. ... And I'm glad he cares enough to be frustrated. We look forward to him being with us for a long time to come."
He added: "What we know we have in Myles is a Hall of Famer. ... He's probably got five or six really good years in him and is a dominant player who coaches have to game plan for, and we value that. We want him to stay here and retire with us."
Garrett is a six-time All-Pro who became the youngest player ever to reach 100 career sacks last season.