Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett was dealt to the Los Angeles Rams on June 3, 2026, concluding a blockbuster offseason move that reshapes both franchises. The trade, announced during Garrett’s opening press conference, swaps the once‑drafted pass‑rusher for linebacker Jared Verse, a 2027 first‑round pick and additional draft capital.
Garrett’s departure ends a turbulent three‑year stint in Cleveland, where he posted 35 sacks but struggled with scheme fit and disciplinary concerns. The Rams, fresh off a defensive overhaul, view the former No.1 overall pick as the missing piece to anchor a 4‑3 front that can pressure quarterbacks consistently.
What does the trade mean for Cleveland’s defensive outlook?
The Browns receive a promising young linebacker in Jared Verse, who debuted with the team last season and recorded 45 tackles and three sacks. Coupled with a 2027 first‑rounder, the assets give Cleveland flexibility to either draft a next‑generation edge defender or package picks for a proven veteran.
Key details of the Garrett‑Rams agreement
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the deal also includes two additional mid‑round selections slated for 2027 and 2028, expanding Cleveland’s draft cachet. The Rams assume Garrett’s remaining $12 million base salary and a $5 million roster bonus, while Cleveland clears $8 million in dead cap space.Garrett’s contract now aligns with the Rams’ top‑tier defensive end tier, positioning him for a potential $30 million extension if performance warrants.
Key Developments
- Rams will integrate Garrett into a 4‑3 defensive scheme that emphasizes interior pressure, a shift from their previous 3‑4 alignment.
- Jared Verse’s rookie contract includes a $4 million signing bonus, making him the highest‑paid rookie linebacker in the league.
- The 2027 first‑round pick is projected to be in the top‑10 range based on league‑wide draft board projections.
- Additional 2027 and 2028 mid‑round picks were originally part of a conditional clause tied to Verse’s performance.
- Garrett’s press conference emphasized his excitement to join a “defensive‑first” culture in Los Angeles, citing the Rams’ recent pass‑rush improvements.
Impact and what’s next for both clubs
For the Browns, the infusion of youth and draft capital signals a clear pivot toward rebuilding through the 2027 draft class. Cleveland’s front office brass can now explore trade‑up scenarios or address other roster holes without the burden of Garrett’s sizable cap hit. Meanwhile, the Rams expect Garrett to elevate their sack totals, which ranked 22nd last season, aiming for a top‑five finish in 2026. The trade also triggers a ripple effect across the AFC North, as rivals like the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers reassess their own defensive line strategies.
Looking at the tape, Garrett’s blend of power moves and edge speed matches the Rams’ aggressive blitz packages. If he can translate his college dominance to a consistent three‑sack season, Los Angeles could finally secure a perennial pass‑rush duo alongside Aaron Donald, redefining their defensive identity.
What draft picks did the Browns receive in the Myles Garrett trade?
The Browns acquired a first‑round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft, plus two additional mid‑round picks for 2027 and 2028, as outlined by Ian Rapoport’s coverage of the deal.
How does Jared Verse fit into the Browns’ defensive scheme?
Verse is slated to play as an outside linebacker in Cleveland’s 3‑4 formation, bringing pass‑rushing upside and coverage ability that complements the team’s existing front seven.
Will Myles Garrett be eligible for Pro Bowl honors with the Rams?
Garrett will be eligible for the Pro Bowl as a defensive end for the Rams, provided he meets the league’s voting thresholds for sacks and impact plays, which are tracked by the NFL’s official statistics.
