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Browns Trade Myles Garrett to Rams for Jared Verse and Multiple Draft Picks

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Blockbuster Trade: Myles Garrett Sent to Rams in Mega-Deal

The Cleveland Browns have traded defensive end Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. In exchange, the Rams sent defensive end Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round draft pick, a 2028 second-round draft pick, and a 2029 third-round draft pick to the Browns.

The trade, which was announced on Monday, was finalized after extensive negotiations between general managers Andrew Berry of the Browns and Les Snead of the Rams.

Trade Details

Team Receives Los Angeles Rams Defensive end Myles Garrett Cleveland Browns Defensive end Jared Verse, 2027 first-round pick, 2028 second-round pick, 2029 third-round pick

The 2029 third-round pick will become a first-round pick if the Rams trade Garrett to an AFC North team at any point in the future.

  • Garrett waived his no-trade clause to finalize the deal.
  • The trade will be processed as a post-June 1 transaction.

Player Profiles

Myles Garrett

  • Age: 30
  • Drafted: First overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2017 NFL Draft
  • Career sacks: 125.5
  • Awards: Two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2023, 2025)
  • In 2025, set an NFL single-season record with 23 sacks.
  • First player in NFL history with at least 12 sacks in six consecutive seasons (2020–2025)
  • Five-time First-Team All-Pro selection
  • Seven-time Pro Bowl selection
  • Contract: Signed a four-year, $204.8 million contract extension in March 2025. Scheduled to earn $31.5 million in the 2025 season. Contract runs through 2030.

Jared Verse

  • Age: 25
  • Drafted: 19th overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2024 NFL Draft
  • 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
  • Two-time Pro Bowl selection (2025, 2026)
  • Career stats (first two seasons): 12.0 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, 45 quarterback hits
  • Recorded 7.5 sacks in the 2025 season
  • Contract: Rookie contract runs through 2028, with a fifth-year option available

Background and Negotiation Timeline

Discussions regarding a trade for Garrett began in early 2024.

  • February 2024: Rams general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay discussed improving the defense during offseason planning.
  • March 2024: The Browns modified Garrett's contract, making him easier to trade. Snead contacted Browns general manager Andrew Berry to inquire about Garrett's availability. Berry initially declined.
  • 2024 Draft Weekend: The Rams offered draft picks for Garrett; Berry countered by requesting young pass rusher Jared Verse. The Rams refused.
  • Late May 2024: Both sides returned to negotiations. The Rams agreed to include Jared Verse in the deal.
  • Finalization: The trade was completed after Garrett acknowledged his no-trade clause and approved the transaction.

The Browns previously declined a trade offer from the Rams for Garrett during the 2022 trade deadline, which included two first-round picks and a fourth-round pick.

Executive Comments

Browns General Manager Andrew Berry stated that the inclusion of Jared Verse was critical to the trade. He described Verse as an outstanding football player who fits the team's defensive scheme and noted that acquiring a player of Verse's age and skill was attractive for the team's rebuild.

Rams General Manager Les Snead stated that the initial discussions began after a contract adjustment for Garrett, which prompted Snead to check in on his availability.

Player and Team Reactions

Jared Verse, a native of Dayton, Ohio, expressed excitement when contacted by the Browns. He stated:

"I'm not here to fill his shoes. I'm here to bring my own. I aim to become the best defensive player in the league."

Browns head coach Todd Monken expressed enthusiasm about acquiring Verse and the draft picks, stating that Verse "will fit us like a glove."

Myles Garrett posted a farewell message on social media expressing appreciation for the Browns organization, teammates, and fans, noting that while he helped the team achieve individual and team accomplishments, he did not bring a championship to Cleveland.

Additional Context

  • The Browns have made the playoffs twice during Garrett's nine seasons with the team.
  • The Browns have a 58–90–1 record since 2017.
  • Following a second consecutive fourth-place finish in 2025, the Browns hired Todd Monken as head coach.
  • The Rams have a 92–57 record since 2017, including seven playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title.
  • The trade marks the first time since 1997 that a reigning Defensive Player of the Year has been traded the following offseason.
  • The Raiders drafted quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • Numerous other significant trades and signings occurred across the league during the 2026 offseason.