Rams get Myles Garrett in a big trade while Browns build for the future

The Los Angeles Rams made a bold move by trading for star defensive end Myles Garrett, sending shockwaves through the NFL. In return, Cleveland gets young edge rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-rounder, and a 2029 third-round choice. The trade looks even bigger when you consider Garrett’s age—he just turned 30—and his recent four-year, $160 million deal with $123. 5 million guaranteed. He’s already a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and just set the single-season sack record in 2025. So why did Cleveland agree to this? General managers don’t trade generational talents like Garrett often, but Cleveland’s rebuilding phase may have played a role. The Browns are loading up on draft picks while adding a 25-year-old pass rusher in Verse, who’s still on his rookie deal with an option for 2028. It’s a smart play—securing a rising star while earning premium picks to rebuild the roster.For the Rams, this move is all about their long-term plan. They drafted quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th pick earlier this year, a move some questioned at the time. But now it makes sense—Simpson gives them a future starter without locking them into an early commitment for a Stafford replacement. Matthew Stafford’s contract extension keeps him under center through at least 2027, meaning he and Garrett could team up for at least two more seasons before Simpson takes over. The trade also shows how much value the Rams put on Garrett’s prime years. At 30, he’s still dominant, and his contract is structured to keep him affordable through his late 20s. Cleveland, meanwhile, is betting on Verse’s potential while stockpiling picks to strengthen their roster in the coming years.