Cleveland Browns Trade Myles Garrett to Los Angeles Rams in Surprising Move

4 weeks ago 0

The Cleveland Browns have executed a surprising trade, sending star edge-rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. This move follows weeks of denials about Garrett’s availability. The initial news suggested the Browns would receive the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Jared Verse, and several draft picks. Now, the detailed terms of the trade are clear.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Rams acquire Garrett, who boasts an impressive record: seven-time Pro Bowler, five-time first-team All-Pro, two-time second-team All-Pro, and two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. In return, the Browns gain Jared Verse, a two-time Pro Bowler, along with a first-round pick in 2027, a second-round pick in 2028, and a third-round pick in 2029.

This trade continues the Rams’ trend of opting out of first-round picks. Since 2016, they have seldom used a Round 1 pick, with only a few exceptions. Quarterback Jared Goff was picked in 2016 before being traded to the Detroit Lions in 2020. Jared Verse, picked in 2024, now joins the Browns. The team’s most recent first-round choice was Ty Simpson, the 13th overall pick this year.

Schefter and Ian Rapoport from ESPN/NFL Network reported that the inclusion of Verse in the deal led to a shift in negotiations, prompting the Browns to reconsider trading Garrett. Rapoport noted, “When Jared Verse was suddenly in the deal, the picks got moved around a little bit, it got to a point where the two teams said, ‘You know what, this could actually happen.’” Persistence from Rams’ management made this deal possible.

Though Verse has yet to reach Garrett’s status, he has already demonstrated his capabilities. At 25, Verse tied for the second-most pressures among NFL edge-rushers last season, with 100 pressures, following Will Anderson Jr. of the Houston Texans who had 102. Verse also led in QB hits (27) and ranked third in hurries (64). He recorded 7.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and a 16.1 pass-rush win-rate as noted by Pro Football Focus.