The Cleveland Browns have pulled the trigger on the most seismic trade of the 2026 NFL offseason, sending two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, and additional draft compensation. The blockbuster deal, finalized on June 1, reshapes the NFC and AFC landscapes and brings one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history to Hollywood.
Inside the Blockbuster: How the Myles Garrett Trade Came Together
The trade marks the culmination of a winding saga that began in February 2025 when Garrett publicly requested a trade from Cleveland, stating his desire to compete for a Super Bowl. The Browns convinced him to stay with a record-setting four-year, $160 million contract extension in March 2025. But after Garrett delivered one of the greatest individual seasons in NFL history—recording 23 sacks in 2025 to break the single-season sack record—the trade rumors reignited. With the June 1 deadline allowing Cleveland to spread dead cap hits across multiple seasons, the Browns finally pulled the trigger.
Under the terms of the deal, the Rams receive Garrett and his contract—which has five years remaining with $98 million due over the next three seasons. The Browns secure a cornerstone pass rusher in Verse, who has statistically outperformed Garrett's early career numbers through two seasons, along with premium draft capital to fuel their rebuild. Because the trade was processed after June 1, the Browns will carry $15.53 million in dead money from Garrett's contract on their 2026 books.
Timeline: The Road from Cleveland to Los Angeles
February 2025: Myles Garrett publicly requests a trade from the Cleveland Browns, citing his desire to win a Super Bowl championship. The request sends shockwaves through the NFL.
March 2025: In a stunning reversal, Garrett signs a four-year, $160 million contract extension with the Browns, committing to remain in Cleveland. The deal includes a no-trade clause.
2025 NFL Season: Garrett delivers the finest season of his career, recording 23 sacks—breaking Michael Strahan's long-standing single-season record of 22.5. He dominates offensive lines weekly, forcing three fumbles and cementing his status as the league's most feared defensive end.
Early 2026: Despite Garrett's heroics, the Browns struggle to find consistent success. Trade rumors resurface as the organization evaluates its long-term direction.
June 1, 2026: The Browns and Rams finalize a blockbuster trade sending Garrett to Los Angeles for Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, and additional compensation. Garrett waives his no-trade clause to facilitate the move.
Why This Deal Changes Everything: Expert Analysis
The Rams' acquisition of Garrett immediately makes them a Super Bowl contender in the NFC. Pairing the NFL's most dominant pass rusher with an offense led by Sean McVay creates a terrifying proposition for opposing teams. The Rams, who ranked 25th in projected cash spending in 2026 before the trade, are clearly pushing all their chips to the center of the table.
For Cleveland, the move signals a full-scale rebuild. Jared Verse has recorded impressive numbers through his first two NFL seasons—statistically comparable to Garrett's early career production. The added draft capital gives the Browns flexibility to address multiple roster needs. As one NFL analyst noted on ESPN, the Browns are getting a player in Verse who "may already be closer to Garrett's level than the trade compensation suggests."
The financial implications are significant. CBS Sports reported that the Rams will pay Garrett $98 million over the next three seasons unless they restructure his deal. Cleveland's cap management improved by waiting until after June 1 to execute the trade, reducing their immediate dead cap burden.
Where Things Stand Now: Garrett Introduced in Los Angeles
Myles Garrett was officially introduced at a press conference alongside Rams head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead. Garrett spoke about being drawn to Los Angeles's "winning culture" and expressed excitement about joining a franchise with Super Bowl aspirations. Reports indicate that Snead was initially concerned Garrett might exercise his no-trade clause, but the star pass rusher ultimately embraced the move to Hollywood.
What's Next: The Ramifications for Both Franchises
The Rams are now positioned as immediate NFC favorites with Garrett anchoring one of the league's most formidable defensive fronts. For the Browns, the focus shifts to developing Jared Verse as their new cornerstone and utilizing the 2027 first-round pick to accelerate their roster reconstruction. The trade sends a clear message across the NFL: championship windows are now swung open with aggressive moves, and the Rams are all-in on winning now.
Key Takeaways from the Myles Garrett Trade
- Myles Garrett, two-time Defensive Player of the Year and single-season sack record holder (23 sacks in 2025), joins the Los Angeles Rams
- The Cleveland Browns receive Jared Verse (2024 DROY), a 2027 first-round pick, and additional draft compensation
- Garrett waived his no-trade clause to complete the deal after signing a $160M extension with Cleveland just 15 months prior
- The Browns process the trade after June 1 to optimize their cap situation with $15.53M in dead money
- Rams immediately become NFC Super Bowl favorites with Garrett joining an already talented roster
