Myles Garrett Traded from Cleveland Browns to Los Angeles Rams

The Cleveland Browns made headlines across the NFL by trading Myles Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. Garrett, fresh off setting the league’s single-season sack record, was sent to the Los Angeles Rams. This move strengthens an already formidable Rams lineup, while the Browns now face the challenge of playing without Garrett for the first time since 2016.

Garrett had initially requested a trade last year, but the Browns extended his contract with a four-year, $160 million deal. This extension was expected to keep him in Cleveland through 2030. However, the trade’s offer from the Rams was too enticing to refuse. In exchange for Garrett, the Browns receive Jared Verse, the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year, alongside valuable draft picks: a 2027 first-rounder, a 2028 second-rounder, and a 2029 third-rounder.

According to Browns General Manager Andrew Berry, Garrett was considered a foundational player, worthy of the Hall of Fame and a homegrown talent. The plan was to keep him in one helmet throughout his career. Yet, unexpected opportunities led the Browns to reconsider, ultimately deciding the benefits were too great to pass up.

Garrett’s performance last season was remarkable, marking his second time as Defensive Player of the Year with 23 sacks. He consistently achieved double-digit sacks over the last eight seasons, exceeding 14.0 in five consecutive years.

For the Rams, the focus intensifies as they aim for success. Recently, the Rams extended Matthew Stafford’s contract following their decision to draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick.

Earlier this year, the Browns secured two first-round draft picks, selecting tackle Spencer Fano and wide receiver K.C. Concepcion. Now, they have an additional two first-round picks for the next year.

Jared Verse has already made a significant impact, making two Pro Bowl appearances in his first two NFL seasons, with 12.0 sacks and 22 tackles for loss as an outside linebacker.