The Los Angeles Rams have bolstered their defense dramatically by acquiring Myles Garrett in a blockbuster trade. The deal, finalized on June 3, 2026, sends linebacker Jared Verse along with a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for the reigning Defensive Player of the Year candidate. For fantasy football managers, this transaction reshapes individual defensive player (IDP) values, defense/special teams (DST) streaming strategies, and the overall outlook for both teams' defensive units as we head into the 2026 NFL season.
Rams DST: An Immediate Upgrade to Elite Status
Before acquiring Garrett, the Rams fielded a defense with potential but lacked a consistent game-wrecker. Their secondary and defensive line had quality players, but none commanded the kind of attention Garrett does on every snap. Now, the Rams have a pass rusher who can single-handedly alter the dynamics of a game.
Fantasy DST managers should note that Garrett's presence does more than increase sack totals. He forces double teams, draws holding penalties, and pushes quarterbacks into hurried throws. This leads to more pressure on the entire Rams' front, freeing up other defenders to make plays, creating opportunities for interceptions and tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
Entering the 2026 season, the Rams were already projected as Super Bowl contenders with a +700 odds on FanDuel. Adding Garrett cements their defense as a top-tier streaming option. Fantasy players should consider drafting or holding the Rams DST as a starter rather than a streaming play against weaker offenses.
Jared Verse and the Browns: A Young Cornerstone But a Less Intimidating Unit
The Browns paid a high price for Garrett, parting with Jared Verse, a promising young edge rusher who had impactful flashes during his rookie season in 2025. Verse's ability to generate pressure without flashy stats made him a solid fantasy asset as a developing player.
However, the loss of Garrett leaves an undeniable void. He accounted for an overwhelming share of the Browns' pressure rate last season. Without him, opposing offenses are likely to focus their protections on Verse, placing more pressure on Cleveland's remaining defensive line depth to win crucial one-on-one matchups.
While Verse's snaps and role will grow, the Browns DST takes a hit in fantasy value, shifting from a reliable unit to a matchup-based start at best. In most standard leagues, fantasy managers should look to drop the Browns DST and stream more favorable defenses during the 2026 season.
IDP Fantasy Impact: Garrett Remains a Premier Asset, Verse's Value Rises on Volume
Myles Garrett remains one of the top defensive linemen in IDP formats. His move to the Rams, a better overall team that is projected to lead more games, could enhance his pass-rush volume as opponents play catch-up more frequently. Garrett's elite production and role do not diminish; fantasy owners should hold onto him confidently.
For Jared Verse, the trade signifies an opportunity to lead a defensive rebuild and command more snaps. Volume matters tremendously in IDP scoring, and being the primary edge threat means more chances for tackles, pressures, and sacks. With the Browns investing in defensive line depth in the 2026 draft, Verse stands as the unquestioned alpha of Cleveland's edge rotation. In dynasty leagues, his value rises as a cornerstone player; in redraft formats, he is a solid mid-tier DL2 with upside.
Who Loses Out in This Trade?
The biggest losers in fantasy terms are other pieces of the Browns' edge rush rotation beyond Verse. Losing Garrett means fewer available pressures and share of production for those players. Conversely, on the Rams, Garrett's presence mainly consolidates production without significant detriment to others in fantasy value.
Streaming Defense Strategy Reset for 2026
Fantasy managers who stream defenses must adjust their evaluations heading into the 2026 season. The Rams DST is now a reliable start against nearly any opponent outside the league's top-tier offenses. Their Week 1 matchup and games against teams with shaky offensive lines or rookie quarterbacks are especially promising targets.
The Browns DST should only be started in the softest matchups, which are limited. Fantasy owners should plan to stream other defenses when Cleveland faces stronger offenses.
Dynasty Outlook
This trade clearly benefits dynasty players in IDP leagues. Garrett, still in prime form, is moving to a contender with a secure role and should maintain elite production for several seasons. Verse, at 23 years old, becomes a focal point of a defensive rebuild with ample opportunity and upside. The draft picks Cleveland acquired--while not relevant for 2026 fantasy--are valuable assets for future dynasty trades or rookie additions.
Final Fantasy Recommendation
Add the Rams DST comfortably in the late rounds of your redraft leagues and trust them as a consistent starter throughout the season. Downgrade the Browns DST significantly, using them only in shallow-league--or highly specific--streaming spots. In IDP formats, Garrett is a must-hold elite asset. Consider buying low on Verse in dynasty leagues where his value may be underrated due to the trade.
Ultimately, the Rams have significantly upgraded on defense for the 2026 season. The Browns have acquired promising youth and future draft capital but will need time to rebuild their pass rush. Fantasy managers get a clear directional signal on how to manage two of the NFL's most intriguing defensive fronts heading into the new season.