The Cleveland Browns have executed a significant trade, sending two-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett, to the Los Angeles Rams. This information came from three sources informed about the transaction, who chose to remain anonymous as the trade has not yet been finalized.
In return, the Browns will receive pass rusher and linebacker Jared Verse, recognized as the 2024 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Additionally, Cleveland will obtain a 2027 first-round draft pick among other future selections still under negotiation.
Garrett has been absent from the Browns’ offseason workouts, although he visited Cleveland on a couple of occasions during the Cavaliers’ NBA playoff series. Garrett holds a minority ownership in the Cavaliers. Browns coach Todd Monken, appointed in January, stated he has not personally met Garrett. Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg had phone interactions with Garrett about defensive strategies. Garrett had favored defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz for a head coach role before the team’s owners chose Monken. Schwartz departed from the Browns after three years.
Garrett was unanimously named Defensive Player of the Year last season due to an outstanding performance, setting a new NFL record with 23 sacks. Despite this, dissatisfaction with the Browns’ management brewed after two challenging seasons with a record of 8-26, following their 2023 playoff appearance. Garrett initially requested a trade post-2024 season. However, he signed a four-year, $204.8 million contract extension in March, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback NFL history. The contract included a no-trade clause, granting Garrett authority over his career trajectory.
Regardless of the contract assurances, Garrett’s discontent persisted. In March, the Browns and Garrett amended his contract to defer option payments over 2026-28. Originally, a $10 million installment was due on May 28 but was pushed closer to the regular 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 in January leading up to Cleveland’s last regular-season game against Cincinnati.
Under the ownership of Dee and Jimmy Haslam since 2012, Monken is the seventh coach hired by the Browns. His predecessors collectively accumulated a record of 73-139-1, ranking unfavorably among NFL teams. Since rejoining the league in 1999, Cleveland experienced only four winning seasons.
The Rams’ general manager, Les Snead, orchestrated another blockbuster transaction, known for trading draft picks for star players. His strategic moves have kept the Rams as a formidable force under coach Sean McVay. Snead previously acquired key players like Jalen Ramsey and Matthew Stafford, propelling the Rams to a Super Bowl victory. More recently, Snead traded for star cornerback Trent McDuffie from Kansas City, reinforcing the team’s defense.
The Rams, aiming for another championship, have added Garrett to a roster already featuring NFL leaders in key statistical categories. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, last year’s league MVP, leads the potent offense, while McDuffie and Jaylen Watson strengthen the cornerback positions. The Rams are now poised as preseason Super Bowl favorites after reaching last season’s NFC championship game.
Following the Super Bowl triumph in February 2022, and a subsequent injury-plagued season, Snead adjusted his approach away from his usual tactics. He reconstructed the team’s lineup with key drafts in 2023 and 2024, replenishing the defense with talents like Verse, Young, Turner, and Fiske, alongside standout receiver Nacua. With its reformed roster, the franchise eyes another title run.
The AP’s Rob Maaddi also contributed to this report.