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3 things the Cleveland Browns must accomplish this July

By Greg Newland

WESTFIELD, INDIANA - AUGUST 15: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during the joint practice between the Cleveland Browns and the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park on August 15, 2019 in Westfield, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
WESTFIELD, INDIANA - AUGUST 15: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during the joint practice between the Cleveland Browns and the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park on August 15, 2019 in Westfield, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Re-sign Myles Garrett

CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 08: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns in action during a game against the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 8, 2017, in Cleveland, Ohio. The Jets defeated the Browns 17-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 08: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns in action during a game against the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 8, 2017, in Cleveland, Ohio. The Jets defeated the Browns 17-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Perhaps the most important thing the Browns should try to accomplish this July is getting star defensive end Myles Garrett re-signed to a long-term extension. Garrett is likely the best defensive end in the league and will be coming into the season highly motivated after a suspension ended his 2019 campaign. Garrett will likely demand ~$25 million per year, but has proven thus far he is worth the money and could compete for a defensive MVP award.

There is a chance Garrett will want to wait for the 2021 offseason. A big year in 2020 could earn him even more money. However, with COVID-19 there is a chance the salary cap could go down next season, meaning his opportunity could be less. Additionally, there is always a risk of injury that could lower his value.

Garrett is only scheduled to make $9.7 million in the 2020 season, far below his market value. By signing a deal now, he is getting a huge raise for the season. At 25-years-old, he would likely have a shot at another huge contract (ideally with the Browns) before he is out of his prime as well.

The Browns do have some risk by signing Garrett early, but to this point, there are no major red flags. Garrett has missed a few games, but injuries don’t seem like a bigger concern than any other player in the NFL. Yes, he was suspended in 2019, but it does not feel like a reoccurring theme. Garrett is a quiet guy and there is still speculation he was provoked by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph.

Next. OBJ poised for a big 2020 season. dark

Garrett is a talent much like Joe Thomas, and it will be a shame to see him ever play for a team other than the Browns. With a lot of young talent on the team, Berry will be better off to get this major contract extension out of the way so he can start evaluating who else he wants to build the franchise with around Garrett.

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