NFL: First overall draft pick Myles Garrett signs $30.4-million contract with Browns

Myles Garrett’s first sack as a pro is filled with money.

The No. 1 overall pick in last month’s NFL draft, Garrett signed his four-year rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns, who gave the speedy defensive end an estimated $30.4 million package that includes a $20.3-million guaranteed signing bonus.

One week after displaying his dazzling skills at the team’s rookie minicamp, Garrett got the business side of things out of the way by signing his deal Friday. The Browns posted a video on Twitter of the former Texas A&M All-American filling out the contract’s paperwork while Seal’s “Kiss From A Rose” played in the background.

The Browns are counting on Garrett, whose outside interests include writing poetry and paleontology, to energize their turnaround. Cleveland went 1-15 last season, has had just two winnings seasons since its 1999 expansion reboot and hasn’t been to the playoffs in 15 years.

Blessed with a running back’s burst, Garrett recorded 32 1/2 sacks in three seasons for the Aggies. He was limited by a sprained ankle last season but still played at a dominant level, and the Browns didn’t pass up the chance to take him in a draft loaded with defensive talent.

Garrett, who is 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, was impressive during the club’s rookie minicamp, showing off his ability to blow past blockers and pressure quarterbacks.

“Did you see that guy come off the edge that one time?” coach Hue Jackson said following a practice. “Holy smokes. Oh my gosh. The guy has flashed and shown exactly why he was drafted where he was drafted. What we have to do is continue to let him be who he is and play the way we think he can. It is exciting to see. I haven’t been around a lot of guys like him. It is fun.”

Garrett has also displayed an easygoing personality and eagerness to succeed. He knows there are high expectations as the first overall pick, but he isn’t hiding from them.

“I’m not worried about what people expect from me or what they think I am going to do,” Garrett said. “My expectations are definitely higher than what most others have for me. I hold myself to that every single time I step on the field, whether I’m going against whoever is out there for rookie camp or if I am going against the very best or if I am just trying to learn the playbook or just being a great man in general.”

Not long after Garrett’s deal was finalized, the Browns signed rookie defensive tackle Caleb Brantley, a sixth-round pick.

Etc.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who will serve as a veteran backup to Jameis Winston. Fitzpatrick spent the last two seasons with the New York Jets, who allowed the quarterback’s contract to expire in February, making him a free agent. … The Arizona Cardinals have signed fourth-round pick Dorian Johnson, agreeing to a four-year deal with 6-5, 305 pound offensive guard from Pittsburgh. … The Chicago Bears have signed second-round draft pick Adam Shaheen, a 6-6 tight end from Ashland University who led all Division II players at his position in receptions (57) and yards (867) last season. … The Bills have signed 6-4, 314-pound offensive lineman Dion Dawkins, the second of Buffalo’s two second-round draft picks. …

The Indianapolis Colts have signed third-round draft pick Tarell Basham, a 6-4, 262-pound outside linebacker from Ohio University. … The Tennessee Titans signed wide receiver Darius Jennings and fullback Joe Bacci and waived receiver K.J. Maye. … The San Francisco 49ers have hired former Rams executive Ran Carthon as the team’s new director of pro personnel. … Wayne Walker, a Pro Bowl linebacker for the Detroit Lions and broadcaster, has died. He was 80. The Lions said Walker died Friday. Walker said in 2015 he had Parkinson’s disease. The former Idaho standout set a team record by playing in 200 games. The mark stood until kicker Jason Hanson surpassed it in 2004. The three-time Pro Bowl selection led the Lions in scoring three times as its kicker during his 15-year career. Walker went on to be an NFL analyst for CBS and the San Francisco 49ers. He was sports director of San Francisco TV station KPIX from 1979-1994.