Myles Garrett Traded to Rams in Major NFL Deal

The Cleveland Browns are set to trade Myles Garrett, a two-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, to the Los Angeles Rams. Three individuals, briefed on the deal, disclosed this information to The Associated Press on Monday, requesting anonymity as the trade remains unfinalized.

The Browns will receive Jared Verse, a prominent pass rusher and linebacker who earned the title of 2024 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, in addition to a 2027 first-round pick. Other draft selections are still in discussion.

Garrett has not participated in offseason workouts and has instead been seen visiting Cleveland during the Cavaliers’ NBA playoff run. He holds a minority stake in the Cavaliers. Despite coach Todd Monken’s hiring in January, he hasn’t had an in-person meeting with Garrett. Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg mentioned brief phone conversations with Garrett regarding defensive strategies.

Garrett expressed support for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz as head coach, though Schwartz, ultimately, resigned after serving three years with the team.

An unanimous choice for Defensive Player of the Year last season, Garrett boasts a record-breaking 23 sacks. Despite agreeing to a four-year contrat of $204.8 million, frustration over the team’s direction led him to demand a trade at the end of 2024.

Adjustments to Garrett’s contract deferred option payments over 2026-28. A payment due in May was moved to the season’s start. Garrett emphasized his commitment to winning while expressing opposition to strategies not aligned with success.

Under Dee and Jimmy Haslam, Cleveland appointed Monken as their seventh coach since 2012, having compiled a disappointing 73-139-1 regular season record.

Rams general manager Les Snead has a history of impactful trades involving draft picks for star players, continuing to maintain the Rams as top contenders under coach Sean McVay.

Past notable acquisitions include Jalen Ramsey and Matthew Stafford. Recently, Snead obtained cornerback Trent McDuffie from Kansas City. Snead has largely prioritized trades over first-round draft selections, notably choosing quarterback Ty Simpson this spring.

Verse emerged as a star with the Rams after Aaron Donald’s retirement, contributing 4 ½ sacks and earning the top defensive rookie accolade in 2024. Rams players Byron Young and Kobie Turner have made significant impacts on defense.

Snead’s strategies resulted in acquiring Von Miller from Denver, a pivotal move during their Super Bowl success.

The Rams, following a prosperous season, are viewed as frontrunners for the upcoming Super Bowl. They boast celebrated talents such as Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, and Davante Adams.

Snead’s brief shift away from his draft philosophy, focusing on rebuilding through key selections, has reshaped the defensive line to bolster the roster.