Browns Shock NFL World with Blockbuster Myles Garrett Trade to Rams
In a move that has sent ripples through the National Football League, the Cleveland Browns have traded star defensive end Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. This surprising decision comes after the Browns initially resisted trade requests for the future Hall of Famer last February, opting instead for a significant contract extension. However, on Monday, the organisation decided to pivot, ushering in a new era by sending their prized pass-rusher to Hollywood.
The Browns, who are looking to rebuild following a five-win season, will receive a substantial package in return for Garrett. The Rams are sending highly-touted pass-rusher Jared Verse and a trio of draft picks to Cleveland: a first-round selection in 2027, a second-round pick in 2028, and a third-round pick in 2029. This deal signals a clear commitment from the Browns to acquire assets for the future, while the Rams are betting on Garrett’s proven ability to elevate their defence.
Examining the Garrett Trade in Context: A Look at Recent Pass-Rusher Deals
To fully appreciate the magnitude of the Myles Garrett trade, it’s insightful to compare it with other high-profile pass-rusher transactions that have occurred in recent NFL history. These deals offer a benchmark for the kind of compensation teams are willing to part with for elite talent at this crucial position.
Maxx Crosby: A Trade That Never Was (March 2026)
- Proposed Ravens Acquisition: EDGE Maxx Crosby
- Proposed Raiders Return: 2026 1st-round pick, 2027 1st-round pick
- Crosby’s 2024 Season Stats: 10 sacks, 20 QB hits in 15 games
A potential trade sending star Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens reportedly fell through due to concerns regarding Crosby’s physical condition. Had the deal materialised, the Ravens were prepared to offer a significant haul, including two first-round draft picks, to acquire the then 28-year-old. This proposed compensation highlights the high valuation of proven pass rushers.
Micah Parsons: A Star Swap with the Packers (August 2024)
- Packers Received: EDGE Micah Parsons
- Cowboys Received: 2026 1st-round pick, 2027 1st-round pick, DT Kenny Clark
- Parsons’ 2024 Season Stats: 12 sacks, 23 QB hits in 13 games
The Dallas Cowboys, unable to agree on contract terms with Micah Parsons ahead of the 2024 season, eventually traded the dynamic pass rusher to the Green Bay Packers. This protracted saga concluded with the Packers agreeing to a four-year, $188 million contract extension to facilitate the trade. In exchange for Parsons, Dallas received two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. The Cowboys’ decision to move on from Parsons, despite his elite production, underscores the complexities of player contracts and team-building.
When comparing Garrett’s situation to Parsons’, it’s important to consider age and career trajectory. Garrett, while possessing an impressive resume that includes breaking the single-season sack record, is older than Parsons. However, the Rams’ acquisition of Jared Verse, a younger player with considerable upside, alongside two significant draft picks, suggests a trade package that is arguably more valuable than what the Cowboys received for Parsons, especially when factoring in the draft capital.
Brian Burns: A Move to the Giants (March 2024)
- Giants Received: EDGE Brian Burns
- Panthers Received: 2024 2nd-round pick, 2024 5th-round pick, 2025 5th-round pick
- Burns’ 2023 Season Stats: 8 sacks, 18 QB hits in 16 games
Many observers felt the Carolina Panthers traded Brian Burns a year too late when he was dealt to the New York Giants. Burns was coming off a season that, by his own high standards, was considered a down year. Despite this, the Panthers were unable to secure a first-round pick for Burns, who subsequently signed a five-year contract extension with the Giants. Instead, Carolina received a high second-round pick and two fifth-round selections. This deal illustrates that even for talented pass rushers, draft capital can vary significantly based on contract status and recent performance.
Bradley Chubb: A First-Round Return for the Broncos (November 2022)
- Dolphins Received: EDGE Bradley Chubb, 2025 5th-round pick
- Broncos Received: 2023 1st-round pick, 2024 4th-round pick, RB Chase Edmonds
- Chubb’s 2022 Stats Before Trade: 5.5 sacks, 8 QB hits in eight games
At the 2022 trade deadline, the Denver Broncos managed to secure a first-round pick from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Bradley Chubb. The Broncos also received a fourth-round pick and running back Chase Edmonds, while attaching a fifth-round pick to Chubb. Chubb was not as highly regarded as Garrett, making the Browns’ acquisition of a premium player in Verse alongside their first-round pick all the more noteworthy.
Khalil Mack: A Chargers Acquisition (March 2022)
- Chargers Received: EDGE Khalil Mack
- Bears Received: 2022 2nd-round pick, 2023 6th-round pick
- Mack’s 2021 Stats: 6 sacks, 7 QB hits in seven games
The Chicago Bears did not get a significant return for Khalil Mack, who was coming off an injury-shortened season and carried a substantial contract. They were unable to recoup the assets they traded for him in 2018, ultimately receiving second- and sixth-round picks from the Chargers in an offseason deal. This trade highlights the risk associated with acquiring veteran pass rushers with significant cap implications.
Von Miller: A Rams Super Bowl Push (November 2021)
- Rams Received: EDGE Von Miller
- Broncos Received: 2022 2nd-round pick, 2022 3rd-round pick
- Miller’s 2021 Stats Before Trade: 4.5 sacks, 9 QB hits in seven games
The Los Angeles Rams, having already depleted their draft capital by acquiring Matthew Stafford, did not have a first-round pick to offer for Von Miller. However, they sent the near equivalent of a first-rounder by trading second- and third-round picks to Denver. Miller was considered a rental player at this stage of his career, and his age made a return of two first-round picks unrealistic for the Broncos. The move proved highly beneficial for the Rams, who went on to win Super Bowl LVI. The Rams will be hoping for a similar championship impact from Garrett.
Khalil Mack: A Landmark Deal in 2018
- Bears Received: EDGE Khalil Mack, 2020 2nd-round pick, 2020 6th-round pick
- Raiders Received: 2019 1st-round pick, 2020 1st-round pick, 2020 3rd-round pick, 2019 6th-round pick
- Mack’s 2017 Stats: 10.5 sacks, 22 QB hits in 16 games
Khalil Mack’s trade in 2018 bore striking resemblances to the Parsons situation. Traded at the conclusion of training camp, four years into his NFL career and requiring a new contract, Mack commanded a significant price. The Bears paid a premium, sending two first-round picks to the Raiders for the former Defensive Player of the Year. The deal also involved a swap of four additional picks. While the Browns may not have landed two first-round picks in the Garrett trade, the inclusion of Jared Verse, a promising 25-year-old talent, could represent the equivalent value of a first-round selection. This trade strategy underscores the lengths teams will go to acquire transformative pass-rushing talent.
