Browns Make Shake‑Up: Myles Garrett Heads to Rams in Record Deal

In a trade that stunned fans and reshaped the NFL’s power balance, the Cleveland Browns sent defensive standout Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. The exchange, completed Monday, brought the Rams a longtime pass‑rusher while sending the Browns a budding defensive talent and three future draft selections.

Garrett, 30, has been a central figure in Cleveland’s defense for nine seasons. While he consistently produced double‑digit sacks—reaching a record 23 in the 2025 season—the Browns’ overall record of 58‑90‑1, including only two playoff appearances, has left the franchise in a period of questioning its direction. In contrast, the Rams have amassed 10 playoff victories and a Super Bowl title during the same timeframe.

Speaking about the move, Garrett remarked, "Since the very beginning, it’s always been about winning. I just had to move forward with that opportunity." He highlighted the Rams’ winning culture and anticipated his immediate impact on the team.

The deal also featured new Rams pass rusher Jared Verse, a 2024 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, and three draft picks—a 2027 first‑rounder, a 2028 second‑rounder, and a 2029 third‑rounder. This combination provides the Browns with youthful talent while bolstering their defensive rotation.

Under the trade terms, Garrett’s previous contract was adjusted to defer option payments from the 2026‑28 seasons. The Rams benefited from the Browns’ willingness to move a high‑paying extension and no‑trade clause, a rare negotiation win in such a high‑profile deal.

For the Rams, the acquisition of Garrett aligns with General Manager Andrew Berry’s strategy of acquiring star veterans to maximize a championship window. The team now hosts the league’s leading pass‑rush force, matching the offensive strength contributed by quarterback Matthew Stafford, who earned the league MVP last season.

"Adding a young defensive star like Jared Verse, coupled with valuable draft assets, is necessary to strengthen a talented young core," commented Berry. The Browns’ leadership expressed that the trade balances a long‑term rebuild with the need to remain competitive.

The trade’s impact extends beyond the field. NFL broadcasts will now feature Garrett’s play more frequently: the Rams host seven prime‑time games in 2026, while Cleveland has a single early‑season prime‑time matchup.

Looking ahead, the trade places the Rams as top contenders, with Garrett’s presence potentially giving them a defensive edge over teams like the 49ers and Seahawks. For Cleveland, the adjustment marks the beginning of a rebuilding phase that includes drafting new talent and refining their defensive strategy.

As the NFL’s biggest trade of the year, the move underscores the league’s growing appetite for blockbuster deals that combine veteran stars with young prospects to create competitive parity.