Browns Trade Myles Garrett to Rams in Shocking 4-Round Deal Ahead of Deadline

The Trade Unfolds: A Rebuild in Motion

The Browns had long insisted they would not trade Garrett, who signed a four-year, $160 million extension in 2022. Yet, the club’s decision to restructure his option bonus just seven days before the season created a pathway for the deal. By waiting until the June 1 deadline, Cleveland avoided taking the full $41 million in dead money on the salary cap in 2026, instead spreading it as $15.53 million in 2026 and $25.56 million in 2027. This financial flexibility, coupled with Garrett’s absence from voluntary workouts and his $1 million workout bonus forfeiture, signaled the team’s willingness to pivot. The Rams, meanwhile, secured a proven pass-rusher while acquiring a first-round pick. Garrett, who recorded 23 sacks in 2025, leaves a void in Cleveland’s defense, but the Browns hope Verse, a 25-year-old defensive end with two Pro Bowls and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award, will fill that gap. “Chief among the considerations to make the decision was the inclusion of Jared Verse — a player our fan base will love,” Browns general manager John Dorsey said, per NFL.com. Verse, a native of Dayton, Ohio, brings physicality and upside to a team in transition.

Garrett’s New Chapter: From Browns to Rams

Garrett, who had not met with new coach Todd Monken or attended voluntary workouts, officially joined the Rams’ offseason program. The team posted photos of him in his No. 95 jersey during organized team activities (OTAs), a stark contrast to his previous reluctance. The 30-year-old, a two-time Pro Bowler and 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, now faces a fresh start in Los Angeles, where he will compete with Aaron Donald for playing time. His 125.5 career sacks and 23-sack 2025 season make him a coveted asset, but his age and the Browns’ financial strategy suggest this was a calculated move. The Rams’ decision to acquire Garrett underscores their playoff ambitions. With Donald entering his 11th season, adding a high-impact pass-rusher like Garrett could bolster their defense. However, the trade also highlights the Browns’ long-term vision. By securing future draft capital and a younger, cheaper option in Verse, Cleveland aims to position itself for a rebuild that could yield a franchise quarterback.

The Financial Math Behind the Move

The trade’s financial implications are significant. By delaying the move, the Browns avoided a $41 million cap hit in 2026, a critical consideration as they navigate a salary cap that will soon be strained by Deshaun Watson’s and Shedeur Sanders’ contracts. Garrett’s departure also frees up $1 million in dead money, though the Browns’ decision to let him skip voluntary work cost them a $1 million workout bonus. For the Rams, acquiring Garrett comes with a $25.56 million cap hit in 2027, a risk they are willing to take for a season that could determine their playoff fate. The deal also reflects a broader trend in the NFL: teams prioritizing long-term flexibility over short-term gains. The Browns, now without their star defensive anchor, are betting on a younger, cheaper roster to compete in the future. Meanwhile, the Rams, with a playoff window closing, are investing in a proven leader.

Berry’s Rationale: Vision for the Future

Browns owner Joe Banner and general manager John Dorsey framed the trade as a necessary step in the team’s rebuild. “At 25 years old with two Pro Bowls and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award under his belt, we receive a young, elite player at a premium position who will only continue to improve in his third NFL season,” Dorsey said, per NFL.com. The sentiment aligns with the Browns’ recent struggles, including their 2022 Deshaun Watson experiment, which left the team in disarray. By trading Garrett, the Browns hope to accelerate their transition, using the first-round pick and future assets to draft a quarterback or other key players. However, the decision has sparked debate. Critics argue that Garrett’s value was never higher, and the Browns risk losing a generational talent for a player whose upside is unproven. Proponents, though, see it as a bold move to reset the franchise. “The Rams offered a deal they couldn’t refuse,” one insider told ESPN, though the exact terms remain undisclosed.

What Comes Next for the Browns?

The Browns’ immediate challenge is replacing Garrett’s production. Last season, he led the league with 23 sacks, and no other Browns player reached seven. With Verse joining the roster, the team will need to integrate him quickly, a task made harder by his inexperience. Meanwhile, the quarterback situation remains unresolved, with Watson and Sanders competing for the starting role.