Ever since All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns in early February, the organization maintained its strong stance that it would not be trading the star pass rusher.
And sure enough, the Browns instead reached agreement with Garrett on a lucrative contract extension that averages $40 million per year and includes $123.5 million in guaranteed money, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history and ensuring that he'll be remaining in Cleveland for the foreseeable future.
Not only does the monster Garrett extension have major ramifications for the Browns, but also for one of the club's division rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals.
Speaking to reporters at the NFL's scouting combine in February, Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said that the team intends to make star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who sat out training camp last year in pursuit of a lucrative long-term deal, the "No. 1 paid non-quarterback in the league."
As NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer pointed out, the Bengals will now have a new bar to clear when it comes to that goal with Chase.
Meanwhile, the #Bengals — who have publicly stated they’ll make Ja’Marr Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL — now have a new bar to clear, with the division rival #Browns signing Myles Garrett to an extension worth $40 million a year …
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 9, 2025
The Bengals (Ja'Marr Chase) and Cowboys (Micah Parsons) are two teams that will be directly affected by the Myles Garrett deal—with the bar for non-QBs rising to $40 million per.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 9, 2025
The longer you wait ...
And while the Cowboys have made no such promises in regards to a contract extension for four-time Pro Bowl selection Micah Parsons, one would think that Garrett's market-setting deal would also have a hefty impact on Dallas's negotiations with its own premier pass rusher.
Before Garrett's record-breaking extension, the highest-paid non-QB in the NFL was Minnesota Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson, who this past offseason signed a deal worth $35 million per year and included $110 million in guaranteed money.
If the Bengals are to be taken at their word, there will be more history made if and when the club agrees to a contract extension with Chase.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as How Myles Garrett’s Monster Extension Could Affect Possible Bengals-Ja’Marr Chase Deal.
