Myles Garrett isn’t just the face of the Cleveland Browns’ defense; he might be the most complete defensive player in football. He’s a play wrecker who comes off the edge, able to loop around a tackle, stunt inside, or plain bull rush an offensive lineman into a quarterback’s lap. No wonder he’s nicknamed both “Bigfoot” and “Superman.”
How Does Browns Star Myles Garrett’s Dominance Stack Up Against Elite Pass Rushers?
Garrett, the Browns’ dominant defensive lineman, was named the best at his position and No. 5 overall in Pro Football Network’s Top 100 NFL players for the 2025 season. The All-Pro’s ranking comes after a 2024 campaign that saw him rain fire on opposing quarterbacks every week.
Garrett finished first in the league with 83 total pressures and ranked second in pressure rate (17.4%). He recorded 14 sacks – the second most in the NFL – and added 13 quarterback hits and 56 hurries while drawing double teams and chip blocks on nearly every down.
Play-to-play, offensive coordinators have to account for his positioning, which can affect the flow of the running game, dictate passing lanes, and because of his ability to destroy a pass protection on his side.
Garrett’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet. He’s one of the few players on defense who sets the tone week in and week out. Much like former Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald did, he forces offenses to change how they play. Teams that prefer to attack the outside on run plays must run away from him because his speed and quickness negate sweeps.
He’s fast enough to chase a runner down from behind while they are looking for a crease or meet him in the backfield just as he takes a handoff. Garrett plays with a suddenness that seems surreal.
He tallied 40 solo tackles, 22 for loss (first in the league), and forced three fumbles last season. He blends size, athleticism, technique, and motor to make him a Defensive Player of the Year candidate every season. He won the award outright in 2023 and had a strong case for the award in ’24.
During the offseason, Garrett requested a trade from Cleveland to a contender.
What Led to Garrett’s Record-Breaking Contract Extension?
However, after some back-and-forth between him and the team, Garrett was signed to a four-year, $160 million contract, averaging $40 million per year and with $123 million guaranteed over the contract’s life.
At the time of his signing, Garrett became the highest-paid defender in NFL history, surpassing Las Vegas Raiders player Maxx Crosby’s three-year extension worth $106.5 million.
Now, if the Browns can clean up their quarterback situation, they might have an offense that complements their defense properly.
