Cleveland Browns Trade Myles Garrett: A New Era Begins in Northeast Ohio

The landscape of the Cleveland Browns’ defense shifted dramatically this week as the organization finalized a blockbuster trade, sending star defensive end Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. The move, which sent shockwaves through the NFL, brings defensive end Jared Verse to Cleveland along with a significant haul of future draft capital.

The Terms of the Trade

According to the official Cleveland Browns announcement, the team has agreed to trade Garrett to the Rams in exchange for a package that includes defensive end Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick. The transaction marks the end of an era for a player who defined the Browns’ defensive identity for nearly a decade.

Myles Garrett’s Legacy in Cleveland

Myles Garrett’s tenure in Cleveland was nothing short of historic. Selected as the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Garrett appeared in 134 games for the franchise. His statistical resume is among the most impressive in league history:

• Franchise Leader: Garrett departs as the Browns’ all-time leader in sacks with 125.5.
• Record-Breaking Performance: He set the NFL single-season sack record in 2025, recording 23 sacks.
• Consistent Dominance: He is the only player in NFL history to record at least 10 sacks in each of the past eight seasons (2018–2025).
• Accolades: A two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Garrett earned seven Pro Bowl selections and seven AP All-Pro honors during his time in Cleveland.

Reflecting on the departure, Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry noted the difficulty of the decision. “We have long taken the stance that our goal was for Myles Garrett to be a one-helmet player for his entire career,” Berry said in a statement. “After rewriting the record books and representing our organization with excellence, we were sincere in that desire as we entered this offseason and did not envision a world where Myles was not a Cleveland Brown.”

Looking Ahead: The Browns’ Defensive Future

While the departure of a generational talent like Garrett presents an immediate challenge, the Browns are pivoting toward a new defensive front. The acquisition of Jared Verse provides the team with a younger anchor for the defensive line. Verse has already begun integrating with the team, participating in OTAs at the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus this week.

The Browns’ coaching staff and front office are now tasked with maintaining the defensive standard that Garrett helped establish. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, including preseason matchups against the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots, the focus will be on how the revamped defensive line, led by Verse, adjusts to the new scheme.

Key Takeaways

• Historic Departure: Myles Garrett leaves Cleveland as the franchise’s all-time sack leader and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
• Draft Assets: The Browns secured a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick in the deal.
• New Identity: Jared Verse joins the Browns, who are actively working to integrate him into their attacking defensive front during the current OTA period.

As the 2026 season approaches, the Browns organization remains committed to staying competitive, relying on the depth of their roster and the infusion of new talent to navigate the post-Garrett era.