Rams Pull Off Blockbuster Trade, Acquiring Defensive Superstar Myles Garrett
In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Los Angeles Rams have emerged from the offseason quiet with a monumental acquisition, securing the services of Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns. This trade, widely considered the most significant of the NFL offseason, positions the Rams as formidable contenders in the highly competitive NFC West.
The price for Garrett was steep, with the Rams reportedly sending promising pass rusher Jared Verse, a future first-round pick in 2027, and additional draft compensation to Cleveland. This bold manoeuvre signals the Rams’ aggressive approach as they aim to challenge the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and the consistently strong San Francisco 49ers for divisional supremacy.
While the Rams boasted a respectable defence last season, the addition of Garrett, coupled with other strategic moves, elevates their defensive unit to potentially elite status. Heading into the 2026 season, Los Angeles is now being touted as a definitive favourite to not only capture the NFC crown but also to hoist the Super Bowl trophy.
How Myles Garrett Fits into the Rams’ Defensive Scheme
The Rams’ defensive depth chart has undergone a significant reshuffling with the arrival of Garrett. While Jared Verse was a key contributor, Garrett steps into a prominent role. A notable aspect of this transition is the potential scheme adjustment. Garrett is accustomed to a 4-3 defensive front, whereas the Rams have historically operated more often in a 3-4 alignment. It is anticipated that Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula will explore ways to blend these systems, ensuring Garrett can operate in a manner that maximises his disruptive capabilities.
The Rams’ commitment to bolstering their defence began earlier in the offseason with the signings of two new cornerbacks, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Both players arrive from the staunch Kansas City Chiefs defence, addressing what was identified as the secondary’s primary weakness last year. Their presence is expected to provide a significant upgrade and much-needed stability.
The combined impact of Garrett, McDuffie, and Watson is poised to create a defensive unit that could be considered the best in the league. Although the departure of Verse is felt, Garrett’s status as arguably the premier defensive player in the NFL suggests an overall upgrade in the pass-rushing department.
Projected Rams Defensive Depth Chart (Post-Garrett Trade)
Here’s a look at how the Rams’ defensive roster is shaping up, with Myles Garrett integrated:
- Defensive End (DE):
- First Team: Kobie Turner
- Second Team: Braden Fiske
- Third Team: Larrell Murchison
- Fourth Team: Jaxson Moi
- Nose Tackle (NT):
- First Team: Poona Ford
- Second Team: Ty Hamilton
- Third Team: Tim Keenan III
- Fourth Team: Bill Norton
- Outside Linebacker (OLB):
- First Team: Myles Garrett
- Second Team: Desjuan Johnson
- Third Team: Keir Thomas II
- Fourth Team: Daryl Peterson III
- Inside Linebacker (ILB):
- First Team: Nate Landman
- Second Team: Omar Speights
- Third Team: Grant Stuard
- Fourth Team: Elias Neal
- Outside Linebacker (OLB):
- First Team: Byron Young
- Second Team: Josaiah Stewart
- Third Team: Wesley Bailey
- Fourth Team: Eddie Walls III
- Cornerback (CB):
- First Team: Trent McDuffie
- Second Team: Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
- Third Team: Drey Norwood
- Slot Cornerback:
- First Team: Quentin Lake
- Second Team: Josh Wallace
- Safety (S):
- First Team: Kamren Kinchens
- Second Team: Kam Curl
- Third Team: Tanner Ingle
- Fourth Team: Alex Johnson
- Safety (S):
- First Team: Kam Curl
- Second Team: Jaylen McCollough
- Third Team: Nate Valcarcel
- Fourth Team: Nick Andersen
- Cornerback (CB):
- First Team: Jaylem Watson
- Second Team: Cam Lampkin
- Third Team: Al’zillion Hamilton
- Fourth Team: Nyzier Fourqurean
The Unprecedented Impact of Myles Garrett
The rationale behind the Rams’ aggressive pursuit of Myles Garrett is clear and compelling. In the 2025 season, Garrett achieved a remarkable feat, shattering the all-time single-season sack record by recording an astounding 23 sacks. This historic achievement marked him as the first player in NFL history to reach this milestone. His consistent dominance is further underscored by the fact that he has never recorded fewer than 10 sacks in a single season since his rookie year in 2017. With a career total of 125.5 sacks, Garrett is already firmly entrenched in the top 30 all-time sack leaders in NFL history.
With quarterback Matthew Stafford nearing the twilight of his illustrious career, the Rams are clearly focused on maximising their Super Bowl window. The acquisition of Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, alongside a team that features the reigning MVP, creates a potent combination as they aim to overcome the disappointment of their NFC Championship Game loss.
Furthermore, Garrett is under contract for the next five seasons, alleviating any immediate concerns about contract negotiations and ensuring stability for the Rams’ defensive cornerstone. Following the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory, the Rams have opted for a strategy of significant team enhancement rather than maintaining the status quo, making a bold statement about their championship aspirations.
