Myles Garrett, a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and holder of the 2025 single-season sack record with 23 sacks, was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Los Angeles Rams on June 1, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The Browns received linebacker Jared Verse, a 25-year-old two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher and 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year, along with a 2027 first-round, 2028 second-round, and 2029 third-round draft pick in return [1, 4, 2, 3, 5, 6].
Garrett was the number 1 overall pick by Cleveland in the 2017 NFL Draft and holds the NFL records since then for most sacks (125.5), pressures (413), and tackles for loss (149) [1, 2, 7]. Despite requesting a trade following the Browns' poor 3-14 2024 season, Garrett signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension with the team that year [1].
The Browns finished 5-12 in 2025 and replaced coach Kevin Stefanski with Todd Monken in January 2026 [1]. Jared Verse has recorded 12 career sacks and 22 tackles for loss through his young NFL career and is seen as a key asset in the trade [1, 2, 3]. Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslem said, "We are extremely grateful for all that [Garrett] contributed to our team and to our community and that he will always be a Cleveland Brown. We look forward to welcoming him back at the appropriate time and wish him and his family only the best," highlighting the mutual respect between Garrett and the organization [3].
The Rams, who lost the 2025 NFC championship game to the Seattle Seahawks, have been active in the trade market, acquiring quarterback Matthew Stafford in 2021 and All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie in 2026 [1, 2, 8, 9]. Garrett's arrival gives the Rams a roster that includes reigning NFL MVP Stafford and the Defensive Player of the Year, the first team to do so since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger [8, 5].
Garrett remains signed through the 2030 season and currently holds the record for the highest salary among non-quarterback NFL players [1, 2, 7]. The trade, finalized on the NFL calendar date crucial for contract and roster moves, is described as one of the biggest defensive player trades in NFL history [4, 3, 6].
Browns general manager Andrew Berry stated earlier, "We are in discussions of a potential transaction including [Garrett]. We'll have a lot more to say about it once it is final, if it does become final, and I'll discuss the details at that point," before the trade was completed [9].
The Browns will now look toward the future with Jared Verse and multiple draft picks, while the Rams prepare to integrate Garrett into their defense for the 2026 season and beyond.
