After several weeks of dismissing trade rumors, the Cleveland Browns have unexpectedly traded their star edge-rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. The move was unanticipated and has taken the NFL by surprise.
Initially, reports suggested that the Browns received 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse and additional draft compensation. As the trade terms are now final, the details reveal a significant exchange.
The Rams have acquired Garrett, who has been selected seven times to the Pro Bowl, five times as a first-team All-Pro, and twice as a second-team All-Pro. He is also a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
The Browns received Jared Verse, a two-time Pro Bowler, as well as a first-round pick in 2027, a second-round pick in 2028, and a third-round pick in 2029, as reported by Adam Schefter from ESPN.
“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,’” noted Ian Rapoport.
The Rams’ strategy has led them to forgo first-round picks in nine of the last twelve drafts. Their few first-round picks included quarterback Jared Goff in 2016, traded to the Detroit Lions for Matthew Stafford in 2020, Jared Verse in 2024, and Ty Simpson, the 13th overall pick this year.
Verse himself is an influential player. Last season, he tied for second-most pressures among NFL edge-rushers with 100, trailing only Will Anderson Jr.’s 102 with the Houston Texans. He led all edge-rushers with 27 QB hits and was third in hurries with 64. He tallied 7.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and achieved a 16.1 pass-rush win-rate according to Pro Football Focus.
It is clear both teams have made strategic moves, hopeful for future success in their respective line-ups.
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