The Los Angeles Rams have made a blockbuster move, acquiring one of the NFL's most dominant defensive players in Myles Garrett. Officially confirmed on Monday, June 1, 2026, the Cleveland Browns traded the six-time All-Pro edge rusher to the Rams in exchange for outside linebacker Jared Verse along with a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick. This trade shakes up the NFL landscape, impacting roster dynamics, salary cap strategies, and future title projections for both franchises and the entire league.
What the Rams Gain
Myles Garrett, since entering the league in 2017, has established himself as a premier pass rusher with a career total of 117.5 sacks. Beyond the raw numbers, his presence demands constant attention from opposing offenses, frequently drawing double teams and forcing quarterbacks into uncomfortable pockets. In 2025, Garrett recorded 14 sacks and 22 quarterback hits, with a pressure rate topping 18 percent of dropbacks--the best among Rams defenders last season.
The Rams play a base 3-4 defense under defensive coordinator Chris Shula, and Garrett's versatility makes him an ideal fit. His ability to thrive both as a 3-4 outside linebacker and a 4-3 defensive end renders him scheme-proof. Pairing him with Byron Young, who led the Rams with 8.5 sacks in 2025, creates one of the top edge rush tandems in the NFL.
Financially, the Rams absorbed Garrett's contract without collapsing their salary cap structure. He remains under contract through 2028, signaling the Rams' commitment to securing his prime years. This is a strategic investment, not a rental, reinforcing their 'win-now' mentality.
What the Browns Receive
Cleveland was firm in its insistence that Jared Verse be part of the return package. The 25-year-old was the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist and posted impressive rookie year numbers, including 9 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, and 38 pressures. He remains under team control on his rookie contract for three more seasons, representing a young cornerstone on the Browns' defense.
While Jared Verse is not a direct replacement for Garrett's transcendent talents, he projects as a top-10 edge rusher over the coming years. The additional draft picks--a 2027 first-rounder, 2028 second-rounder, and 2029 third-rounder--represent future capital aimed at restocking the roster strategically.
The Browns' 2026 draft class already bolsters the roster with key additions like first-round offensive tackle Spencer Fano and wide receiver KC Concepcion, along with second-round edge rusher Cashius Howell. Thus, Cleveland is not entering a full rebuild but is positioning to remain competitive while reshaping its defensive core.
Shifting the Market
The trade sent immediate ripples through Super Bowl odds. Following the announcement, FanDuel listed the Rams at +700 odds to win Super Bowl LXI, the second-shortest line behind only the Buffalo Bills at +1000. The Rams now figure as strong contenders in an NFC West division without an established dominant force.
The presence of Garrett forces division rivals to adjust their game plans drastically--whether it's the 49ers blocking him twice a year or the Seahawks scheming to contain him. The Cardinals, who drafted RB Jeremiyah Love third overall in 2026, face a potentially disrupted rushing attack.
League-wide, the NFC playoff picture evolves. The Eagles, also at +700, bring a balanced offense capable of mitigating Garrett's impact. The Lions, meanwhile, rely on youthful depth rather than star power. Los Angeles' dominant edge rusher offers a contrasting blueprint that meets immediate contention goals.
What the Trade Reveals About the Front Offices
The Rams' front office signals that the team is pushing hard to maximize the current window. Despite drafting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in 2026, veteran Matthew Stafford remains the starter at 38 years old. This trade emphasizes their focus on leveraging Stafford's remaining elite years with enhanced defensive firepower.
The Browns' strategy is more complex. Trading away the franchise's face, Garrett, underscores a transition phase. While Verse offers a high-upside foundation, the Browns gave up valuable future picks that delay potential rebuilding. In addition, their quarterback situation remains unresolved, even after selecting Taylen Green in the sixth round of the 2026 draft.
Ripple Effects Across the League
Teams that prepared for offensive shootouts with the Rams must recalibrate. Divisional opponents and potential playoff foes like the Vikings and Ravens now face a significantly upgraded defensive front. The Chiefs, who avoid Los Angeles in the 2026 regular season, nonetheless must consider a tougher postseason landscape.
This trade contracts the market for elite pass rushers. The Bengals and Lions reportedly interested in Garrett now must pursue alternatives. Meanwhile, Garrett's contract benchmarks are set anew, with Verse's cheap rookie deal becoming a tradable asset for Cleveland as it manages cap space and roster planning.
Conclusion: One Clear Winner, One Calculated Risk
The Rams improved their roster immediately with a proven elite talent locked in for multiple seasons, enhancing their Super Bowl hopes now and in the near future. Conversely, Cleveland's move is a bet on youth development and patience, trading a generational star for a combination of promising young talent and draft capital.
Ultimately, the 2027 first-round pick Cleveland received might be late in the round, depending on Los Angeles' success, reflecting the gamble the Rams have taken to get better now.
This trade is a defining moment of the 2026 offseason, setting the tone for the NFL's power balance in the years to come.