Los Angeles Rams have reportedly negotiated a new deal with star defensive end Myles Garrett that will raise his salary for the 2026 NFL season. The new deal is said to cost $204 million for five years. Garrett’s compensation under the new system jumps from $31.5 million to $37 million in 2026.
It is not, however, a completely new contract, or a new five-year extension. Instead, the Rams have adjusted portions of the existing contract to better accommodate their salary cap needs and pay one of the NFL’s premier defensive players.
Rams Rework Myles Garrett’s $204 Million Contract
The Los Angeles Rams have reportedly made changes to the existing structure of Garrett’s contract, which is worth a reported $204 million over five years. The transfer will boost his pay in the 2026 season as well as the way some of his remaining payments will be structured.
The report says Garrett will make $37 million in 2026 compared to $31.5 million in 2025. This means the two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year will have more money available this season.
Still, the restructuring isn’t as though they’re signing a brand new contract. The Rams have changed the deal rather than entered into an additional five-year pact. The changes also include some guarantee vesting dates, which have reportedly been delayed by a couple of months.
An NFL team can afford to make such an adjustment to control their cash commitments and retain an important player on their roster.
How Much Will Myles Garrett Earn in 2026?
Under the reported new agreements, Garrett will receive $37 million in 2026 pay. The extra amount is said to be related to future payments, and not to be a fresh injection of cash into the value of the contract. The adjustment just simply rearranges the when of some of Garrett’s income.
The switch benefits Garrett by adding to his paycheck this season. Rams have another option to configure their financial obligations without making a full new deal.
The guarantee dates are also crucial. The team shifts some dates back to give them more time to avoid some future salary guarantees. This allows the organisation more flexibility with their roster and salary cap.
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Why Did the Rams Restructure Garrett’s Deal?
The restructuring of Garrett’s deal with the Rams is primarily linked to the team’s salary-cap needs. The team is looking to retain their defensive star and still have a good balance of money to build a competitive team.
The typical approach is for NFL teams to restructure their contracts to adjust for payment schedules or how that payment is reflected on the salary cap. This can assist them to maintain their existing financial obligations without sacrificing valuable personnel.
With Garrett, the Rams are said to have advanced some funds from future years in order to boost his 2026 compensation. They also changed the guarantee vesting dates allowing the organization more time before some future payments are guaranteed.
The transfer is part of the Rams’ overall plan for assembling a solid squad around their veterans to win a Super Bowl again.
Myles Garrett’s NFL History and Last Game
Myles Garrett is one of the NFL’s most dangerous defensive players. He was picked as the No. 1 overall choice in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. He played his first nine seasons with Cleveland before signing with the Rams in a huge deal in June 2026.
Garrett has been named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice and five times a Pro-Player. He is a key component of any defense because he can pressure quarterbacks and try to get them to throw errors.
He’s emerging off of a stellar 2025. Garrett set a new NFL record for sacks in a single season, with 23. He also had 33 tackles for loss, which was the league-leading number.
All those stats are proof enough of why the Rams were willing to pull the trigger on him. His experience, strength and ability to create pressure can be a difference to the team’s defense.
What Does the Contract Mean for the Rams’ Future?
Garrett’s arrival gives the Rams another elite player as they look to compete for the Super Bowl. The team has also filled some key roles, indicating their efforts to assemble a formidable squad.
The revised deal provides the club with more flexibility in dealing with its salary cap. But transferring cash into the future does not subtract from the financial commitment.
It may also generate extra cap costs in the future, which will require careful planning by the Rams. The swap is benefitting Garrett in terms of better pay in 2026 and staying with a team that is looking to get to the playoffs. As Los Angeles seeks to make the best of their Super Bowl opportunity, his performance will be key.
FAQs
1. How much is Myles Garrett’s contract worth?
It was originally reported by Yahoo at USD 204 Million for 5 years. Subsequent reports indicated it was $208.2 million.
2.What is the total amount of money that Garrett will make in 2026?
In 2026, he will be awarded $37 million.
3. Did the Rams give Garrett a new contract?
They renegotiated his existing contract when they bought him.
4. How many sacks did Garrett have in 2025?
He had an NFL-high 23 sacks.
5.How many times has Garrett won Defensive Player of the Year?
He was the two-time winner of the award.
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