The blockbuster trade that sent Myles Garrett from Cleveland to Los Angeles made headlines across the NFL, but the reigning Defensive Player of the Year isn't getting a raise in the move. In fact, he's taking a pay cut.
Garrett's new contract with the Rams is a reworked version of the five-year, $204 million extension he signed with the Browns. But thanks to California's steep state income tax rate of 13.3%, compared to Ohio's 3.125%, Garrett will lose roughly 10% of his gross income that he would have kept had he stayed in Cleveland.
The five-time first-team All-Pro could have demanded a salary bump to offset the difference, but he chose not to. Instead, Garrett is betting on himself and the Rams' Super Bowl aspirations, a stark contrast to his time with the Browns, where playoff wins were rare.
The trade, which sent star pass rusher Jared Verse and a package of premium future draft picks to Cleveland, was finalized on June 1. The Rams' locker room erupted with excitement, as players reacted to the shocking move that instantly transforms their defense.
Garrett's willingness to take a financial hit speaks volumes about his desire to compete for a championship. He joins a Rams roster that already features one of the league's best coaches in Sean McVay and a front office known for aggressive moves. The move has even fueled speculation about a potential Aaron Donald comeback, as McVay hasn't ruled out the possibility of the future Hall of Famer returning to pair with Garrett.
For the Browns, the decision to trade Garrett was difficult but necessary. General Manager Andrew Berry called the opportunity to acquire Verse and multiple picks a 'too great' opportunity to miss, signaling a rebuild in Cleveland. Meanwhile, Garrett said his goodbyes in a classy farewell that showed why he's considered a legend in the city.
Off the field, Garrett's move to Los Angeles puts him closer to his celebrity girlfriend, gold medal Olympian Chloe Kim, which could help recoup some of those lost millions through increased marketability. But for now, Garrett seems content to sacrifice a chunk of his paycheck for a chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
As the Rams gear up for the 2025 season, Garrett's arrival has already shifted the balance of power in the NFC. The question now is whether his gamble — taking a pay cut for a shot at glory — will pay off in the form of a Super Bowl ring.
