Cleveland Browns and Rams Swap Players in Surprising Trade

On Monday, June 1, the Cleveland Browns executed a major trade that sent ripples throughout the NFL. They traded reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. Garrett’s departure follows a season where he achieved a record 23 sacks. In return, Cleveland acquired edge rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick.

The trade gained even more attention on Wednesday when Verse spoke to Browns reporters on his first day with the team. He candidly shared his initial reaction to the trade. “It caught me by surprise. I loved L.A. I loved the coaches, the organization, my teammates, everybody who was a part of it. It was upsetting. I was upset for a good little bit of time. But you’re an athlete, you understand the nature of the business,” Verse admitted. Despite his initial feelings, he expressed optimism about joining the Browns, saying, “I’m happy to be a part of the Browns. I’m happy they believed in me and that they were able to make that trade and bring me here. I truly do believe in everybody in the locker room, but it was upsetting at first.”

Verse arrives in Cleveland as an up-and-coming talent in the NFL. He was the 19th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, coming from Florida State. Verse’s rookie season was noteworthy; he recorded 66 tackles, 18 quarterback hits, 11 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks over 17 games, earning him the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

His second season showed even more impressive stats. Verse led all edge rushers with 27 quarterback hits and ranked third with 64 hurries. He concluded the season with 58 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, 11 tackles for loss, and 36 pressures, tying for ninth in the NFL for pressures. Verse has also been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons and has accumulated 12.0 career sacks at only 25 years old.

Verse’s potential is evident, and his addition could greatly benefit the Browns’ rebuilding efforts. Should the Browns succeed in their quest for a Super Bowl, Verse may emerge as one of the top defenders in the league in the approaching years. Meanwhile, the Rams, focusing on immediate success with an experienced lineup including 38-year-old Matthew Stafford and 33-year-old Davante Adams, see Garrett as a vital addition. The trade, surprising to many, serves both teams strategically. The Rams gain arguably the best player in the league to bolster their championship aspirations. The Browns, meanwhile, obtain a promising player and additional draft picks to fortify their future roster. Verse, originally from Dayton, Ohio, also symbolizes a homecoming, further solidifying his role as a central figure in Cleveland’s franchise rebuild.