The Cleveland Browns have initiated a significant trade, sending two-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett, to the Los Angeles Rams. The Associated Press received information from three individuals who were briefed about this move.
Details have emerged that the Browns will receive Jared Verse, the 2024 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Additionally, a 2027 first-round selection and other draft picks are part of the package, though specifics are still being finalized.
Myles Garrett’s absence was noted at Browns’ offseason workouts. While he briefly visited Cleveland during the Cavaliers’ NBA playoff events, Garrett maintains a minority interest in the team. Coach Todd Monken revealed he hadn’t met Garrett since his hiring in January. Defensive Coordinator Mike Rutenberg had phone conversations with Garrett regarding the team’s defensive strategy. Garrett was supportive of Jim Schwartz being promoted to head coach before the franchise decided on Monken. Subsequently, Schwartz resigned after his three-year stint with the Browns.
Myles Garrett achieved the Defensive Player of the Year award last season. He accomplished this feat with a record-breaking 23 sacks. Yet, his dissatisfaction with the team’s strategy over the last few seasons persist. Cleveland’s record stands at 8-26 in the past two years post-making the playoffs in 2023.
At the 2024 season’s conclusion, Garrett requested a trade but later signed a four-year contract extension valued at $204.8 million, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. This contract included a no-trade clause, giving Garrett control over his future moves. Despite the extension, Garrett’s unease with the Browns’ progression stayed unresolved. In March, both the Browns and Garrett agreed to amend the contract, deferring option payments for the 2026-28 seasons. A $10 million payment due on May 28 was postponed to align with the season start.
“I’m committed to winning, and as long as the team (and) organization are doing so and they’re committed to that same thing, then I’m all on board. But if we’re thinking anything other than winning — tanking or rebuilding, that’s not me,” Garrett expressed on January 2 before Cleveland’s match against Cincinnati.
The leadership under Dee and Jimmy Haslam has witnessed seven coaching hires since their purchase of the franchise in 2012. Unfortunately, the previous six coaches compiled a poor regular-season record of 73-139-1, ranking second-worst in the NFL.
This trade represents another impactful decision by Rams General Manager, Les Snead. His readiness to engage his draft selections in trades involving star veterans has propelled the Rams as a competitive NFL team during Coach Sean McVay’s tenure. Snead notably acquired Jalen Ramsey from Jacksonville in 2019, trading two first-round picks, and later acquired Matthew Stafford in 2021.
Most recently, Snead added Trent McDuffie from Kansas City, enhancing the secondary with a trade involving four draft picks. Before sneaking a first-round quarterback selection of Ty Simpson, the Rams utilized their draft picks primarily in trades. However, Jared Verse became their sole first-round pick in nine years. His impact was immediate, bolstering the Rams’ pass rush following Aaron Donald’s retirement.
With Verse recording 4 ½ sacks as the top defensive rookie in 2024, and increasing his play with 7 ½ sacks and three forced fumbles last season, the Rams’ young defensive stars, Byron Young and Kobie Turner, are positioned for promising careers.
Trading Von Miller from Denver helped the Rams in 2021, contributing nine sacks in 12 games to complement Donald’s efforts in their Super Bowl victory.
The Rams enter this season as promising contenders for the Super Bowl, based on their successful campaign with 12 wins and their NFC championship appearance. Quarterback Matthew Stafford leads the NFL’s most productive offense last season. Enhancements in defense with McDuffie and Watson, alongside Garrett, position the Rams favorably. Their roster includes leaders in passing yards, TD passes, receptions (Puka Nacua), receiving touchdowns (Davante Adams), and sacks (Garrett).
Following their Super Bowl win in February 2022 and subsequent setbacks, Snead adjusted his drafting approach. After strategic acquisitions in 2023 and 2024, Snead prepared for another title run, fortifying the defensive line with young talents.
The Rams, with reinforced depth, search to solidify their position among elite contenders.
Note: AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi also contributed to the report.