Cleveland Browns Trade Myles Garrett to Los Angeles Rams

The Cleveland Browns are sending Myles Garrett, two-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, to the Los Angeles Rams in a significant trade. This information was shared by three individuals familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press while remaining anonymous, as the deal has not yet been finalized.

In return, the Browns will receive Jared Verse, the 2024 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, along with a 2027 first-round selection and additional draft picks that are still being negotiated.

Garrett has not attended the Browns’ offseason workouts but did visit Cleveland briefly during the Cavaliers’ NBA playoff games, a team in which he holds a minority stake. Coach Todd Monken mentioned that he had not met with Garrett in person since taking the head coach position in January, while defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg confirmed only phone conversations with Garrett regarding the defensive strategy of the team.

Garrett preferred Jim Schwartz for the head coach role, but the Browns’ ownership chose Monken. Following this decision, Schwartz resigned after three years with Cleveland.

In the previous season, Garrett was the unanimous choice for Defensive Player of the Year, achieving 23 sacks and setting a new NFL single-season record. Yet, he grew frustrated with the Browns’ performance. The team has an 8-26 record in the past two seasons, despite a 2023 playoff appearance. Garrett requested a trade after the 2024 season but later signed a $204.8 million four-year extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The agreement included a no-trade clause, giving Garrett control over his future team.

Discontent remained regarding the team’s progress. Both the Browns and Garrett agreed in March to modify his contract, deferring about $10 million in option payments from May 28 to nearer the regular season’s start.

Garrett expressed his commitment to winning at the season’s end, stating his support for the organization as long as it shares the same goal. He declared, “If we’re thinking anything other than winning, that’s not me.”

Monken represents the seventh coaching hire by Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam since acquiring the franchise in 2012. Their previous coaches amassed a 73-139-1 record, ranking amongst the lowest in the NFL.

The Los Angeles Rams have made a reputation for acquiring star players under the management of Les Snead. The Rams have been consistent contenders during Sean McVay’s tenure. Previous trades included acquiring Jalen Ramsey and Matthew Stafford, moves that brought success, including a Super Bowl victory.

Before the surprising selection of quarterback Ty Simpson, Jared Verse stood as the Rams’ lone first-round pick in nine years, becoming an impactful player. Verse recorded 4 ½ sacks as the top defensive rookie in 2024 and 7 ½ sacks with three forced fumbles last season.

With aspirations of returning to Super Bowl contention, the Rams traded for Garrett, adding to a roster already favored in preseason forecasts. They finished last season with 12 wins and reached the NFC championship game. Reigning MVP Matthew Stafford leads the offense, complemented by a strengthened defense featuring Garrett, McDuffie, and Watson.

The Rams recently overhauled their lineup following an injury-marred 2022-23 season. Snead shifted his drafting approach in 2023 and 2024, building the defense with Verse, Young, Turner, and securing All-Pro receiver Nacua, establishing a formidable team once again.

With Garrett joining an already impressive ensemble, the Rams remain a top contender in the league.