Garrett: Parsons and I are '2 of the very best in this generation'

Cleveland Browns pass-rusher Myles Garrett and Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons had nothing but praise for each other ahead of their game Sunday.

"I think we're two of the very best in this generation, so just got to continue to lead the way," Garrett said Friday, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. "There are definitely some other names in that conversation, but I think saying that he's in it and that I'm in it is not out of the norm."

Parsons and Garrett are two of the most dangerous pass-rushers in the NFL and are well-compensated for it too. Parsons recently became the highest-paid edge rusher ever after the Packers traded for him and rewarded him with a new deal. His extension averages $46.5 million per year while Garrett comes in at $40 million per year, third most. Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt splits them at $41 million annually.

Garrett said he had a "holy shit" reaction when Parsons' extension was announced.

"(We) were sitting in the sauna during the offseason," Garrett recalled. "He's like, 'If I get a deal, I'm going to beat the blank out of your deal.' And he went out there and got it."

Parsons offered a compliment back to Garrett on Friday, saying his peer is the only edge rusher he would consider ranking ahead of himself.

"If you argued Myles is better, I wouldn't hesitate to probably say you're right," Parsons said, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic.

Parsons has racked up 54 sacks since the start of his rookie season in 2021, fifth most in the NFL. Meanwhile, Garrett's 63.5 sacks in that same span are more than any other player.

The Browns host the Packers on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.