Browns' Garrett on new deal: 'Time to prove it'

Myles Garrett said Thursday that he’s ready to live up to the distinction of being the highest-paid defender in NFL history.

“Now I have to assert myself as top dog,” he said. “I feel like I’m confident and ready to do that.

“Time to prove it.”

On Wednesday, the Cleveland Browns’ star pass-rusher signed a five-year extension with the Browns containing $100 million in total guarantees, the most ever paid to a defensive player, league sources told ESPN — with $50 million guaranteed at signing. The team did not discuss financial terms, but sources told ESPN that the deal is worth $125 million with a $25 million average salary, which is also a record for a defensive player.

“They had faith in me, and now I’ve got to give [the Browns] a reason to have that faith,” said Garrett, who, with the extension, will be under contract in Cleveland through the 2026 season. “I’m going to do my best to make it worth it to them.”