By Sam Grigsby, PSO Director of Sports History
Jul 14, 2021



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 the highest-paid defensive player of all-time with a 5y/$125M deal, including $100M gtd on July 14, 2020
  • Kansas City Chiefs extended DL Chris Jones on a 4y/$80M deal, including $60M guaranteed on July 14, 2020
  • CLE selected DE Myles Garrett 1st overall in 2017 while Chiefs drafted DL Chris Jones in the 2nd Rd of 2016

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.

  • Myles Garrett contract extension

 

  • Myles Garrett career highlights

 

  • Chris Jones 2019/Super Bowl highlights

 

 

 

Share this Myles Garrett record contract article with friends and follow for more great sports content!