Earlier this offseason, it briefly seemed like Myles Garrett’s time in Cleveland might be over. The superstar pass rusher was reportedly interested in joining a contender, but the Browns secured his future with a contract extension he couldn’t turn down. Now entering his ninth training camp in Cleveland, Garrett is setting high expectations for the 2025–2026 season.
Myles Garrett Sets a Lofty Goal After Massive Extension
In February , Garrett requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns after the team finished with a 3-14 record in the 2024-2025 season. Many believed that his time in Cleveland was coming to an end. However, the Browns came in at the 11th hour and offered him a deal that made him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history, though the deal has since been surpassed by T.J. Watt’s extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Garrett signed a massive four-year contract for $160 million, with $123.6 million guaranteed. The record-breaking deal will keep him in Cleveland until 2030.
Now locked in with the Browns, Garrett shared some goals he has for the 2025-2026 season during a press conference on the opening day of training camp.
The Browns’ superstar said he aims to win Defensive Player of the Year for the second time and bring a Super Bowl title to Cleveland, emphasizing that he must be at his best to make it happen.
#Browns Myles Garrett expects to win the Super Bowl and #NFL Defensive Player of the Year this year: pic.twitter.com/TmhK4hZhWG
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) July 23, 2025
“I expect to run back the Defensive Player of the Year,” Garrett said. “Keeping both of those things in mind [Winning DPOY and the Super Bowl], I have to be the very best player I can be every single day.
While winning a Super Bowl with the current Browns roster may be unlikely, Garrett’s goal of winning Defensive Player of the Year again is certainly achievable.
Since being drafted first overall by Cleveland in 2017, Garrett has been one of the league’s top pass rushers. He has recorded 102.5 sacks over eight NFL seasons, earned First-Team All-Pro honors four times, and has two Second-Team selections as well.
Myles Garrett can’t be stopped 😤
He strip sacks Burrow
(via @thecheckdown)pic.twitter.com/JWQxgQZzVq
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 25, 2020
In 2023, Garrett won Defensive Player of the Year after posting 42 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks. He posted even better numbers last season but finished third in the DPOY voting.
Defensive Player of the Year typically goes to a pass rusher. This season, Garrett will face tough competition from other players at his position, like 2021 winner T.J. Watt, Maxx Crosby, Micah Parsons, Nick Bosa, and Trey Hendrickson. If he wins again, it will further cement his status as one of the all-time greats in the NFL.
Having clear goals is important for any player, and while the Browns may struggle to win games this season, Garrett appears motivated to do everything he can to help the team. Along the way, he might just collect his second DPOY award.
