Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby are two of the most dominant edge rushers in the NFL. Both have secured massive contracts, but which one got the better deal?
NFL teams must balance talent, salary cap space, and future planning when locking down star players. In this article, we’ll break down the details of both contracts, compare their on-field impact, and determine which player landed the better financial package.
Myles Garrett Contract Details
Key Points:
- Signed a 5-year, $125 million extension with the Cleveland Browns in 2020.
- $100 million guaranteed, including a $50 million signing bonus.
- Cap hit increases annually, reaching $33 million in 2025.
- One of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history.
Myles Garrett Contract Breakdown:
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Cap Hit | Dead Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $17M | $5M | $29M | $60M |
| 2024 | $19M | $5M | $31M | $45M |
| 2025 | $21M | $5M | $33M | $30M |
Garrett’s deal makes him the centerpiece of Cleveland’s defense but also limits the team’s ability to make big free-agent moves. The Browns are betting that his dominance will continue for years, justifying his growing cap hit.
Maxx Crosby Contract Details
Key Points:
- Signed a 4-year, $94 million extension with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022.
- $53 million guaranteed, including a $13 million signing bonus.
- More team-friendly cap hits compared to Garrett.
- Not among the top 3 highest-paid edge rushers despite elite production.
Maxx Crosby Contract Breakdown:
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Cap Hit | Dead Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $10M | $13M | $20M | $40M |
| 2024 | $17M | $13M | $23M | $26M |
| 2025 | $19M | $13M | $25M | $13M |
Crosby’s contract balances elite player value with team flexibility. His cap hits are lower than Garrett’s, giving the Raiders more room to build a competitive roster around him.
Performance & Impact Comparison: Who Earned Their Deal?
Key Performance Metrics (Last 3 Seasons)
| Player | Sacks | QB Hits | Pressures | Forced Fumbles | Tackles for Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myles Garrett | 48 | 90 | 150 | 8 | 52 |
| Maxx Crosby | 42 | 110 | 175 | 9 | 60 |
Breaking Down Their Impact
- Sacks & QB Hits: Garrett leads in sacks, but Crosby applies more overall pressure.
- Run Defense: Crosby has more tackles for loss, showing his effectiveness against the run.
- Durability: Crosby has played every game since entering the league, while Garrett has missed some time due to injuries.
- Pro Football Focus (PFF) Grades: Garrett consistently ranks among the top 3 edge rushers, while Crosby is often in the top 5.
Both players justify their massive deals, but their impact comes in different ways. Garrett is a pure pass-rushing force, while Crosby is an all-around disruptor who plays every snap with high energy.
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Contract Value: Who Got the Better Deal?
Factors to Consider:
- Guaranteed Money: Garrett’s $100M guarantee is nearly double Crosby’s $53M.
- Cap Flexibility: Crosby’s lower cap hits allow the Raiders more roster flexibility.
- Production vs. Pay: Garrett’s contract reflects his status as a top-tier pass rusher, but Crosby’s deal provides more value per dollar.
- Market Trends: Garrett’s deal was signed in 2020, setting the bar for elite edge rushers. Crosby signed his in 2022 when prices had risen.
Verdict:
- If you value financial security, Garrett’s contract is better with higher guarantees.
- If you value team-friendly structure and flexibility, Crosby’s contract is the smarter deal.
- Overall Value: Crosby provides more production per dollar, but Garrett’s dominance makes him worth the premium.
Future Outlook: Will Their Contracts Age Well?
- Garrett’s cap hit will keep climbing. The Browns might need to restructure or extend him.
- Crosby’s deal allows the Raiders to stay competitive. He could demand a new contract before 2026.
- Both players will likely get another massive deal in the future, assuming they stay elite.
FAQs
Q. Who has the higher salary, Myles Garrett or Maxx Crosby?
Myles Garrett earns more, with a $125 million contract compared to Maxx Crosby’s $94 million deal. However, Crosby’s contract is more team-friendly with a lower cap hit.
Q. Is Myles Garrett the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL?
As of now, Myles Garrett is among the highest-paid defensive players but is behind recent record-breaking contracts.
Q. Does Maxx Crosby’s contract provide better value than Myles Garrett’s?
In terms of cap flexibility and value per dollar, Crosby’s deal is more team-friendly. However, Garrett’s contract reflects his elite status as a dominant pass rusher.
Q. Will the Browns or Raiders restructure these contracts in the future?
The Browns may need to restructure Garrett’s deal to manage cap space, while the Raiders have more flexibility with Crosby’s contract.
Conclusion
Both Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby are worth every penny of their contracts, but the structure and financial impact differ. Garrett is the bigger investment with more guarantees, while Crosby’s deal gives his team more flexibility.
Who got the better deal? If you’re the player—Garrett wins with bigger guarantees. If you’re the team—Crosby’s contract is the smarter investment.
Who do you think got the better contract? Comment below!
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