The Curious Case of Myles Garrett's Contract: A Deal That Raises More Questions Than Answers
When I first heard about Myles Garrett’s reworked contract with the Los Angeles Rams, my initial reaction was one of confusion. Personally, I think this deal is a head-scratcher, and I’m not alone. Salary cap expert Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap described it as “baffling,” and after digging into the details, I can see why. What makes this particularly fascinating is that it seems to favor the Rams far more than Garrett, which is unusual in a league where players typically prioritize maximizing their earnings upfront.
The Numbers Game: What’s Really Going On?
On the surface, Garrett’s $5.5 million raise in 2026 looks like a win. But if you take a step back and think about it, the trade-offs are puzzling. He’s giving up $10.7 million in 2027 to get that raise now, which feels like a short-term gain for a long-term loss. What many people don’t realize is that this structure effectively blocks Garrett from renegotiating his contract until at least June 2027. Why? Because his 2027 cap hit is so low that any new deal would struggle to exceed it, thanks to NFL salary cap rules.
From my perspective, this raises a deeper question: Why would Garrett agree to this? One thing that immediately stands out is the guaranteed money in 2028, which wasn’t part of his previous deal with the Browns. That’s a win for him, but it doesn’t fully explain why he’d accept such a significant pay cut in 2027. It’s almost as if this deal is a temporary fix, a band-aid to address the Rams’ immediate cap concerns rather than a long-term solution for Garrett.
The Rams’ Playbook: A Strategic Move?
What this really suggests is that the Rams are playing the long game. By lowering Garrett’s 2027 cap number, they’re buying themselves flexibility for the future. But at what cost to Garrett? If he doesn’t secure a new deal before 2028, he’ll have effectively taken a $5.2 million loss over two years. Sure, the Rams could work out an extension to make up for it, but that’s far from guaranteed.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how this contract compares to his previous one with the Browns. Under his old deal, Garrett could have earned around $119 million by 2028. With the new structure, it’s closer to $114 million. Eventually, it might balance out, but the immediate implications are hard to ignore. This feels like a deal that prioritizes the Rams’ financial health over Garrett’s earning potential.
The Bigger Picture: Trends in NFL Contracts
This situation isn’t just about Garrett or the Rams—it’s part of a broader trend in the NFL. Teams are increasingly structuring contracts to maximize cap flexibility, often at the expense of player earnings. What makes Garrett’s case unique is that he’s a star player who could command top dollar on the open market. Yet, here he is, agreeing to a deal that limits his negotiating power for the next year.
In my opinion, this reflects a shift in the power dynamics between players and teams. With the salary cap exploding and pass rushers in high demand, you’d expect players like Garrett to have more leverage. But this deal suggests otherwise. It’s almost as if Garrett is betting on the Rams to make it right in the future, which feels like a risky gamble.
What’s Next for Garrett?
Fitzgerald predicts that Garrett’s contract won’t stay as-is in 2027, and I tend to agree. This deal feels like a placeholder, a temporary solution until both sides can renegotiate. But what if the Rams don’t come through with a new deal? Garrett could find himself in a worse financial position than he was before.
If you ask me, this contract is a cautionary tale for players and their agents. It’s a reminder that short-term gains can come with long-term consequences. Garrett might be one of the best in the game, but even he isn’t immune to the complexities of NFL contract negotiations.
Final Thoughts: A Deal That Defies Logic
As I reflect on this contract, I can’t help but wonder: What was the real motivation here? Was it Garrett’s desire for immediate financial relief, or was it the Rams’ strategic maneuvering? Personally, I think it’s a combination of both, but the balance feels off.
This deal raises more questions than it answers, and it’s a perfect example of how NFL contracts can be as much about strategy as they are about compensation. For Garrett, the next few years will be crucial. Will he secure the payday he deserves, or will this deal come back to haunt him? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: this contract is anything but ordinary, and it’s a story worth watching closely.
