The Cleveland Browns have made one of the most significant moves in franchise history.
The organization announced that it has agreed to trade superstar defensive end Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for rising pass rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round draft pick, a 2028 second-round draft pick, and a 2029 third-round draft pick. The blockbuster deal ends Garrett’s nine-year career in Cleveland and signals a major turning point for the Browns franchise.
The End of an Era in Cleveland
Few players have meant more to the Browns than Myles Garrett.
Selected with the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Garrett quickly became the face of Cleveland’s defense and one of the most dominant pass rushers in NFL history. During his time with the Browns, he earned multiple All-Pro selections, Pro Bowl appearances, and Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Garrett leaves Cleveland as one of the greatest defensive players ever to wear a Browns uniform. His 125.5 career sacks rank among the best totals in NFL history and lead all active players except a handful of veteran pass rushers.
His final season in Cleveland was perhaps his most impressive. Garrett set the NFL single-season sack record with 23 sacks and captured another Defensive Player of the Year award.
For Browns fans, seeing Garrett leave is the end of a remarkable chapter.
What the Browns Receive
While losing a player of Garrett’s caliber is difficult, Cleveland received a substantial return package.
The centerpiece of the deal is defensive end Jared Verse. At just 25 years old, Verse has already established himself as one of the NFL’s brightest young defensive stars. Since entering the league in 2024, he has earned Pro Bowl recognition and quickly developed into one of the league’s most productive edge rushers.
The Browns also acquired:
2027 First-Round Draft Pick
2028 Second-Round Draft Pick
2029 Third-Round Draft Pick
Those additional selections provide valuable resources for general manager Andrew Berry as he continues building the team’s future.
The acquisition of Verse gives Cleveland a young cornerstone player while adding premium draft capital that could be used to strengthen multiple areas of the roster.
Why the Trade Happened
The move comes after months of speculation regarding Garrett’s future.
Reports indicated that Garrett had become frustrated with the direction of the franchise following another disappointing season. Despite signing a lucrative contract extension in 2025, trade discussions resurfaced during the offseason.
According to multiple reports, the Rams aggressively pursued Garrett after the NFL Draft. Cleveland reportedly rejected several offers before insisting that Jared Verse be included in any final package. Once the Rams agreed to include the young pass rusher, negotiations accelerated quickly.
The result was a deal that gives both organizations what they wanted.
The Rams acquire one of the most dominant defenders in football, while the Browns obtain a younger player and valuable draft assets.
What This Means for the Browns
The trade likely signals a shift toward building around a younger core.
Verse immediately becomes one of the most important defensive players on the roster and could develop into a long-term foundational piece. The additional draft selections also provide flexibility for future roster construction.
While replacing Garrett’s production will be nearly impossible, the Browns appear focused on long-term sustainability rather than relying on a single superstar.
The front office now has additional resources to address other key positions and continue developing a competitive roster under the team’s new leadership structure.
Rams Go All-In on a Championship
From the Rams’ perspective, the trade is a clear signal that they are pursuing a Super Bowl championship immediately.
Los Angeles was already considered one of the NFL’s top contenders. Adding Garrett gives the Rams a future Hall of Fame pass rusher who remains among the league’s most disruptive defensive players.
With Super Bowl LXI scheduled to be played at SoFi Stadium, the Rams have shown they are willing to sacrifice future draft assets to maximize their championship window.
Final Notes
The trade of Myles Garrett marks the end of one of the greatest individual careers in Browns history. While Cleveland loses a franchise icon, the return package of Jared Verse and three draft picks provides an opportunity to reshape the roster for the future. Whether the deal ultimately benefits the Browns will depend largely on Verse’s development and how effectively the organization uses its new draft capital. One thing is certain: June 1, 2026, will be remembered as one of the most significant days in Cleveland Browns history.
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