The Cleveland Browns agreed to a blockbuster trade that sends two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams for a package involving edge rusher Jared Verse and a first-round pick.
The Rams are dealing Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round selection, and a 2029 third-rounder to get Garrett, who waived his no-trade clause.
Speculation about a Garrett trade intensified when the Browns modified his contract earlier this offseason by moving his option bonus deadline to seven days before the regular season for each remaining year of his deal. The adjustment, along with other tweaks, made a post-June 1 trade more enticing to Cleveland.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry said the team "did not envision a world" where Garrett wouldn't finish his career with the Browns, but the Rams' offer put the team in a tough spot.
"When the Rams first approached us with the possibility of trading Myles, we remained convinced in our position, but as discussions intensified we were stuck at a legitimate crossroads: do we hold on to a truly generational player who has become the identity of our team, or do we make the difficult decision that we think is best for the organization over the long run?" Berry said in a statement.
He added: "In that framework, the decision became clear, although our emotions were muddled. We, and more importantly, our fans, have grown up with Myles, and he's an enormous source of pride for our team. However, as we embark on a new era of Browns football with a young core and a replenished asset base, we felt this move was important to our transition."
The Rams became interested in Garrett shortly after Cleveland adjusted his contract, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. Los Angeles persistently pursued Garrett despite the Browns initially being adamant about holding on to their star player, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport notes. The inclusion of Verse and changes to the draft compensation reportedly shifted the tone of trade talks.
Berry described Verse as a "young, elite player at a premium position who will only continue to improve in his third NFL season."
Acquiring Garrett, the latest big move by the Rams, gives them the marquee pass-rusher they've been missing since 10-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Aaron Donald retired after the 2023 campaign. Earlier in the offseason, L.A. traded for former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie and signed ex-Chiefs corner Jaylen Watson in free agency.
Garrett joining a roster led by quarterback Matthew Stafford makes the Rams the first team in NFL history to feature both the reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, according to Dante Koplowitz-Fleming of NFL Network.
Garrett earned Defensive Player of the Year honors last season after recording a single-season record 23 sacks. It's his second DPOY award in three years. He claimed the title in 2023 following a 14-sack campaign.
The Browns and Garrett appeared to have an uncertain relationship over the past two years. The star edge rusher requested a trade last offseason before the two sides eventually agreed on a four-year, $160-million extension. While Cleveland kept Garrett in the loop on its offseason decisions this year, he chose not to participate in the team's offseason program and hadn't yet spoken face to face with new head coach Todd Monken, according to ESPN.
Verse, an Ohio native, heads to Cleveland after making an immediate impact in his two NFL seasons. The former first-round pick was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024 following a 4.5-sack campaign. He built on that success with 7.5 sacks in 2025 to receive a second consecutive Pro Bowl nod. Verse is under contract through 2027, though the Browns could exercise the fifth-year option on his rookie deal to keep him through 2028.
"Jared's passion and relentless style of play will be embraced by our fans," Berry said. "He will fit right in with the established identity of our defense. We couldn't be more pleased to welcome him to the Dawg Pound."
Garrett, who turns 31 on Dec. 29, spent the first nine years of his career in Cleveland. His 125.5 sacks since entering the NFL in 2017 lead the league and are 10.5 more than the next closest player, Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt.
