Myles Garrett Trade Explained: Rams Acquire NFL’s Top EDGE Rusher in Blockbuster Move
The Los Angeles Rams have completed a seismic trade acquiring defensive end Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a multi-year package centered on EDGE rusher Jared Verse and two first-round picks (2025 and 2026). The deal, finalized late Tuesday night, represents the NFL’s most significant defensive swap before the 2025 season and immediately alters both franchises’ Super Bowl aspirations.
What Happened: The Trade Breakdown
The official transaction, confirmed by both teams and the NFL Players Association, includes:
- Rams to Browns:
- EDGE rusher Jared Verse (2024 first-round pick)
- 2025 first-round pick (No. 12 overall)
- 2026 first-round pick (No. 10 overall)
- 2027 fifth-round pick
- Browns to Rams:
- Defensive end Myles Garrett (2024 first-round pick)
- 2025 sixth-round pick
Key notes: The Rams retained Garrett’s $26.7 million roster bonus, meaning Cleveland assumes no salary cap hit. Verse, a 2023 first-round pick, was acquired by the Rams in the 2024 draft and has emerged as a disruptive force with 12.5 sacks in 2024.
Why This Trade Reshapes Both Teams
The move is a masterstroke for the Rams on multiple fronts. First, it solves their pass rush woes after a 2024 season where they ranked 25th in sacks (28). Garrett, a two-time Pro Bowler with 43 career sacks, pairs with Verse to form what could be the NFL’s most feared EDGE duo.
For the Browns, the trade represents a cap relief opportunity while still securing significant assets. Their 2025 first-round pick (No. 12) becomes the 2026 No. 10, and they retain Verse’s 2027 fifth-rounder. The move also clears cap space to address other needs.
Key Context: The Rams’ Defensive Overhaul
The Rams already made significant defensive upgrades this offseason, including:
- Signing Trey Henderson to bolster the secondary
- Adding Brandon Stucky at linebacker
- Drafting Keion Crossen (No. 12 overall) in 2024
Garrett’s arrival completes a front-four transformation that could push Los Angeles into the AFC’s top defensive units.
Tactical Implications: How This Changes Both Teams
For the Rams: A New EDGE Era
With Garrett and Verse forming a 1-2 punch, the Rams can now:
- Stunt more frequently: Garrett’s ability to rush from both sides of the ball allows Sean McVay to use more complex stunts and twists
- Disrupt passing games: Garrett’s 2024 season included 10.5 sacks and 17 QB hits, while Verse added 12.5 sacks
- Pressure both sides: The Rams can now alternate Garrett and Verse in different pass rush schemes without sacrificing production
For the Browns: Rebuilding Begins
The Browns’ defense was middle-of-the-pack in 2024 (14th in sacks, 20th in yards allowed). Without Garrett:
- Their pass rush becomes more one-dimensional, relying on Za’Darius Smith and Ojakhi Castle to carry the load
- They’ll need to develop young EDGE talent like Terrell Bain (2024 third-round pick) faster
- Their cap situation improves, allowing flexibility for other positions
How This Compares to Recent Blockbuster Trades
This trade joins an elite tier of recent defensive swaps:
| Trade | Year | Impact | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rams → Chiefs: Aaron Donald → Justin Reid | 2023 | Rams lost LT, Chiefs gained LT | Donald won Super Bowl; Chiefs struggled without him |
| 49ers → Cardinals: Nick Bosa → 2023 first | 2022 | 49ers got LT, Cardinals got elite pass rusher | Both teams improved defensively |
| Browns → Texans: D.J. Reader → 2023 first | 2022 | Browns got cap relief, Texans got LB | Reader became Texans’ leader |
Key difference: This trade is more defensive-line focused than recent swaps, with both teams exchanging elite EDGE talent rather than linebackers or safeties.
What This Means for the 2025 Season
Rams: Playoff Contenders with Elite Defense
The Rams enter 2025 with:
- Top-5 defense potential: With Garrett and Verse, they could challenge for the NFL’s best pass rush
- Improved AFC West: They’ll face the Broncos (Week 1), Chargers (Week 10), and Raiders (Week 17)
- Playoff implications: A top-3 defense could push them into the AFC’s top seed
Browns: Rebuilding with Assets
The Browns now have:
- Three first-round picks (2025, 2026, 2027) to rebuild their defense
- Cap flexibility to address other needs (OL, QB, WR)
- Jared Verse’s development as a potential long-term EDGE partner for Smith
Key Takeaways
- Rams’ defense becomes elite: Garrett and Verse form a top-3 EDGE duo, potentially pushing LA into the AFC’s best defense
- Browns gain flexibility: The trade clears cap space while securing future draft capital
- AFC West reshaped: Both teams now have clearer paths to playoff contention
- Jared Verse’s development becomes critical for Cleveland’s long-term defense
- Sean McVay’s scheme gains new weapons for pass rush and defensive flexibility
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. Does this trade affect the 2025 NFL Draft?
Yes. The Rams lose their 2025 first-round pick (No. 12) but gain Garrett’s services immediately. The Browns receive a 2025 sixth-round pick and see their 2025 first-rounder (No. 12) become a 2026 first (No. 10).
2. How does this impact the AFC playoff race?
The Rams become stronger AFC West contenders, while the Browns’ defense may take a step back. The Chiefs and Bills remain the division’s top teams, but both Rams and Browns could challenge for wild-card spots.
3. What’s Myles Garrett’s contract status?
Garrett is under contract through 2027 with the Rams, with $26.7 million guaranteed. The Rams retained his roster bonus, meaning Cleveland assumes no salary cap hit.
Follow @Rams and @Browns for official updates. The next Rams media availability is March 13 at 10:00 AM PT—tune in for Garrett’s first reactions.
What do you think of this trade? Will it push the Rams to the Super Bowl? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Keep reading
