The Cleveland Browns have traded reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in one of the most stunning blockbuster deals in recent NFL history, sending the superstar pass rusher to join a team with Super Bowl aspirations. The Rams, in turn, shipped promising second-year edge rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, and additional draft compensation to Cleveland in a deal that immediately reshapes the competitive balance of the NFC.
The trade, announced on Monday June 1, 2026, brings an end to Garrett's nine-year tenure with the Browns and marks a dramatic pivot for both franchises. For Los Angeles, it's an all-in move to maximize their championship window. For Cleveland, it signals a full-scale rebuild after years of falling short of expectations.
How the Blockbuster Deal Unfolded: Inside the Garrett-to-L.A. Trade
The trade winds had been swirling around Myles Garrett for over a year. In early 2025, Garrett publicly requested a trade from the Browns, citing a burning desire to chase Super Bowls in the prime of his career. Rather than forcing a move immediately, he signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension in March 2025 that included $123.5 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history at the time.
Despite that commitment, the Browns never truly contended, and by the 2026 offseason, both sides recognized that a parting of ways might be inevitable. The Rams, coming off a competitive season but hungry for more firepower on defense, made the aggressive call to bring the 30-year-old superstar to Southern California.
The Rams sent Jared Verse — their 2024 first-round pick who showed immense promise as a rookie — along with a 2027 first-round selection and additional picks to Cleveland. For Los Angeles, the calculus was simple: elite pass rushers of Garrett's caliber rarely become available, and the Rams have never been shy about swinging big under head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead.
"This is a rare opportunity," McVay said during Garrett's introductory press conference. "When you have a chance to add a player of Myles' magnitude, you have to be aggressive. The Rams are not messing around."
Timeline: How the Garrett Trade Developed Over 18 Months
Early 2025 — Garrett publicly requests a trade, stating his desire to compete for Super Bowls. The Browns initially resist, insisting they will not move their franchise cornerstone.
March 2025 — Rather than trading him, the Browns double down, signing Garrett to a four-year, $160 million extension with $123.5 million guaranteed, making him the NFL's highest-paid defensive player.
2025 Season — The Browns finish with a disappointing record, and speculation about Garrett's future resurfaces. Trade rumors connect him to the Cowboys, Commanders, and other contenders.
November 2025 — Despite persistent rumors, the Browns hold onto Garrett past the trade deadline, with sources confirming he would remain in Cleveland for the remainder of the season.
Spring 2026 — With Verse entering his second season and the Browns undergoing front-office evaluation, trade talks intensify behind the scenes. The Rams emerge as the most aggressive suitor.
June 1, 2026 — The blockbuster is announced: Garrett to the Rams for Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, and additional draft capital. The NFL world reacts with shock.
June 2, 2026 — Garrett is introduced at a press conference alongside McVay and Snead, donning a Rams jersey for the first time. Garrett posts an emotional farewell to Cleveland on social media.
Why This Trade Matters: Expert Analysis and What It Means for Both Teams
The ramifications of this deal are massive for both organizations and the broader NFL landscape. The Rams are clearly in win-now mode, pairing Garrett with a defense that already features disruptive talent. McVay drew comparisons to the 2021 trade for Matthew Stafford, a move that immediately delivered a Super Bowl victory. If Aaron Donald — who has been contemplating retirement — decides to return, the Rams could boast one of the most fearsome defensive fronts in NFL history.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell broke down the deal extensively, noting that Garrett immediately transforms the Rams' pass rush. "Does Myles Garrett really put the Rams over the top?" Barnwell asked. "He certainly gives them a chance." Garrett's $23.5 million cap hit for 2026 is manageable for a team that has shown a willingness to push cap commitments into future years.
For the Browns, this trade represents a painful but necessary reset. In Jared Verse, they get a 23-year-old edge rusher with star potential who posted impressive numbers as a rookie. Verse's cap hit of just $4.1 million in 2026 gives Cleveland tremendous financial flexibility. Combined with the 2027 first-round pick, the Browns have positioned themselves to accelerate their rebuild with young talent and premium draft capital.
"Trading Jared Verse was difficult, but the Rams viewed Myles Garrett as a rare opportunity to maximize their Super Bowl window," noted Sports Illustrated's Rams coverage. The gap between Verse and Garrett — while significant — is viewed by Cleveland's front office as a bet on Verse's continued growth and the value of multiple premium picks.
Where Things Stand Now: The Latest on Myles Garrett and the Rams
As of today, Myles Garrett is officially a Los Angeles Ram. He participated in his first press conference wearing the horns and blue, expressing genuine excitement about the opportunity. "I'm ready to compete at the highest level," Garrett said. "This organization has a winning culture, and I want to be part of taking it all the way."
Garrett posted a heartfelt farewell to Cleveland on Instagram, writing: "Nine years. It's hard to put into words what this city and these fans have meant to me. Loving you is easy; leaving you is the hard part." The post drew emotional reactions from Browns fans, many of whom expressed gratitude for his dominant tenure while lamenting the loss of a franchise icon.
The Rams' defense now features a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate who has recorded double-digit sacks in every season since 2018. Garrett's presence will immediately demand double-teams, freeing up opportunities for his teammates along the defensive line.
What Happens Next: The Road Ahead for Garrett and the Rams
The Rams are expected to integrate Garrett into their defensive system immediately ahead of training camp. With McVay's offensive brilliance and now a truly elite pass rusher on the other side of the ball, Los Angeles has positioned itself as a legitimate contender in the NFC.
Experts predict that the Rams are not done making moves. With Garrett's $40 million average annual value contract, the team may restructure deals to free up additional cap space, potentially targeting offensive line help or secondary depth before the season begins.
For the Browns, the focus shifts to development. Jared Verse will be expected to take on a larger role immediately, and the 2027 first-round pick gives Cleveland ammunition to either draft a franchise quarterback or trade for one. The path forward is clear, even if it comes at the cost of saying goodbye to one of the best defensive players of his generation.
The Bottom Line: Key Points to Remember
- Myles Garrett was traded to the Los Angeles Rams for Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, and additional draft picks
- The deal ends Garrett's nine-year tenure in Cleveland, where he became the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year
- Garrett had requested a trade in 2025, then signed a 4-year, $160M extension before ultimately being dealt in 2026
- The Rams go all-in for a Super Bowl run; the Browns embrace a rebuild with young talent and draft capital
- Garrett posted an emotional farewell to Cleveland: "Loving you is easy; leaving you is the hard part"
- McVay compared the acquisition to the Stafford trade that brought a championship to Los Angeles
