In the game of American football, defensive players are often overlooked in favor of the flashier antics of their offensive counterparts. A common expression used by commentators for every professional sport is, “Nobody goes to a game to see defense.” Despite any of that, a team’s success depends on both ends of a field.
Quality defenders are the foundation of a team, making them highly prized. In 2020, the Cleveland Browns went all out to secure the rights to their 2017 draft pick Myles Garrett, making him the highest-paid defender in NFL history. On the same day, the Kansas City Chiefs handed Chris Jones a large 4y/$80M contract with a whopping $60M guaranteed as well.
MYLES GARRETT BECAME THE HIGHEST-PAID DEFENDER EVER
Garrett’s contract extension with the Browns was for $125 million over five years. During the 2020 season, Garrett earned both AFC player of the week and AFC player of the month honors and was selected to the All NFL All-Pro Team. The Browns entered the 2021 playoffs as underdogs against a Pittsburg Steelers squad that had dominated the AFC North for over a decade.
They went on to shock the world pulling off a nine-point upset. Afterward, they lost to the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs 22-17. On a related note, the same day Garrett signed his contract, the Kansas City Chiefs extended their Pro-Bowler defensive tackle Chris Jones on a 4y/$80M deal after a dominant performance in the Super Bowl that helped bring KC their first Championship in 50 years.
July 14, 2020: Cleveland #Browns made 2017 No.1 pick EDGE Myles Garrett the highest-paid defensive player ever with a 5y/$125M deal that included $100M gtd. On the same day, the Kansas City #Chiefs extended DL Chris Jones on a 4y/$80M deal ($60M gtd)pic.twitter.com/bP1feGQ9jw
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) July 14, 2021
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