The Cleveland Browns are finalizing a blockbuster trade that will send star pass rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for defensive end Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick and additional draft compensation, according to reports from ESPN and NFL Network on Monday.
The deal, which is still being finalized, represents one of the biggest defensive trades in recent NFL history and brings an end to Garrett’s nine-year run as the face of the franchise.
Browns Move On From Franchise Cornerstone
Garrett leaves Cleveland as one of the most accomplished defensive players of his generation. Since being selected No. 1 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year has recorded 125.5 sacks, the most in the NFL during that span.
The Myles Garrett trade comes just one year after the Browns signed the All-Pro defender to a four-year, $160 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid defensive player in football at the time.
Despite that commitment, questions about Garrett’s long-term future in Cleveland never completely disappeared. Following the Browns’ disappointing 2025 season, Garrett publicly expressed frustration with the organization’s direction and reiterated his desire to compete for a championship.
Rams Make Another Aggressive Championship Move
For the Rams, acquiring Garrett is the latest example of an organization willing to make bold moves in pursuit of a Super Bowl. Los Angeles has consistently shown a willingness to trade premium draft capital for elite talent, and Garrett immediately becomes the centerpiece of an already talented defense.
The Rams reportedly remained persistent throughout negotiations, even after the Browns repeatedly indicated they had no interest in moving Garrett.
According to ESPN and NFL Network, discussions gained momentum after the 2026 NFL Draft before ultimately resulting in a framework both sides were willing to accept.
Jared Verse Headlines Cleveland’s Return
The centerpiece of Cleveland’s return is Verse, the Rams’ first-round pick in 2024 and one of the league’s emerging young pass rushers.
The 25-year-old has totaled 12 sacks and 22 tackles for loss across his first two NFL seasons and now steps into a major role for a Browns defense looking to replace one of the NFL’s most productive players.
In addition to Verse, Cleveland will receive a 2027 first-round pick and additional draft compensation, giving the organization valuable assets as it continues building under head coach Todd Monken and general manager Andrew Berry.
What the Myles Garrett Trade Means
The Myles Garrett trade immediately reshapes the balance of power in the NFC.
With Super Bowl LXI scheduled to be played at SoFi Stadium in February 2027, the Rams have made it clear they believe their championship window is open right now.
For the Browns, the deal signals a shift toward long-term roster building while adding a young impact defender and future draft resources. Once finalized, the Myles Garrett trade will be remembered as one of the defining moves of the 2026 NFL offseason and one that could have major implications for the Super Bowl race in the years ahead.
Conor Forrest is the Editor-in-Chief and Senior NFL Insider at SportsJourney.com, where he covers the Washington Commanders and the league at large. A Northern Virginia native and George Mason University graduate, his work has appeared in FanSided, NBC Sports Washington, Heavy.com, and The Fourth Estate. He is also the host of the “After Further Review” podcast, reaching a global audience with his analysis and storytelling.
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