Cleveland Browns Trade Myles Garrett to Los Angeles Rams

The Cleveland Browns made headlines in the NFL by trading Myles Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, to the Los Angeles Rams. Garrett, who recently set the league’s single-season sack record, will now join an already formidable Rams team. Meanwhile, the Browns face the challenge of playing without Garrett for the first time since 2016.

Despite having requested a trade the previous year, Garrett was signed to a four-year extension worth $160 million, which seemed to secure him a spot with the Browns until 2030. However, the Browns received an offer from the Rams that included the return of 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round draft pick, a 2028 second-rounder, and a 2029 third-rounder. General Manager Andrew Berry stated the offer was “too great” to refuse.

Myles Garrett, a ten-year veteran and homegrown talent, was a foundational player for the Browns. “We wanted him to remain with us for his entire career,” Berry told reporters. But sometimes, opportunities arise that require a reevaluation of the team’s prospects.

Last season, Garrett was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year for the second time after accumulating 23 sacks. He achieved double-digit sacks in each of his last eight seasons and recorded at least 14.0 sacks in five consecutive seasons.

The Rams have been proactive this season, extending quarterback Matthew Stafford’s contract and drafting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. On the other hand, Cleveland, which recently picked tackle Spencer Fano and wide receiver K.C. Concepcion in the NFL Draft, now holds two first-round picks for the next year.

Jared Verse has made the Pro Bowl twice in his two NFL seasons, with 12.0 sacks and 22 tackles for loss as an outside linebacker.