By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams made one of the biggest moves of the NFL offseason, agreeing to acquire All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns in a blockbuster trade that immediately reshapes the Rams’ defense.
In exchange, Cleveland received defensive end Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick. The Browns announced the deal June 1.
Garrett arrives in Los Angeles as the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a two-time winner of the award. He spent nine seasons in Cleveland after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft and leaves as the Browns’ franchise leader with 125.5 career sacks. He also totaled 412 tackles, 23 forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries with the Browns.
Garrett is coming off a historic 2025 season in which he set the NFL single-season sack record with 23, surpassing the previous mark shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt at 22.5.
For the Rams, the move signals a clear push to win now. Garrett joins a franchise with a proud defensive line tradition, from the Fearsome Foursome to Aaron Donald. At his introductory press conference, Garrett said he still believes he has elite football ahead of him.
“I still have plenty of great years in front of me,” Garrett said.
Garrett will continue to wear No. 95, the same number he wore throughout his career in Cleveland.
Cleveland, meanwhile, receives one of the NFL’s top young edge rushers in Verse. The former Florida State standout was drafted 19th overall by the Rams in 2024, earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry said Verse was a major part of the return, calling him “an outstanding football player” and a strong fit for Cleveland’s defensive identity.
Verse appeared in 34 games over his first two NFL seasons, recording 124 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He also produced in the postseason, adding three sacks and a fumble recovery for a touchdown in five playoff games.
According to Pro Football Focus, Verse generated 80 total pressures during the 2025 season, including eight sacks, 20 quarterback hits and 52 hurries. PFF also listed him with an 83.9 overall grade, ranking 12th among edge defenders.
The Rams had already made a major defensive splash earlier in the offseason by acquiring cornerback Trent McDuffie from Kansas City and signing him to a long-term extension. But landing Garrett moves to the top of their offseason headlines.
Garrett will turn 31 during the season, but his production suggests he remains one of the league’s most dominant defensive players. For Los Angeles, the message is clear: the Rams believe their championship window is open, and they are willing to pay a steep price to chase another Super Bowl.