The Myles Garrett era in Cleveland has officially ended with a blockbuster trade that sent the superstar defensive end to the Los Angeles Rams. In return, the Browns are getting a package that has the entire NFL media world nodding in approval.
Garrett, the former No. 1 overall pick and NFL Defensive Player of the Year, leaves as one of the greatest players in franchise history. He's heading to a Rams squad that is all-in on winning now, having brought back Matthew Stafford for 2026 and coming up just short of a Super Bowl run last season. Now they add arguably the best defensive player in football to their arsenal.
But the real story for Cleveland is what they got back. According to multiple reports, the Browns are receiving two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Jared Verse, who is just 25 years old, along with a 2027 first-round pick and additional draft compensation. The deal was confirmed by NFL insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Adam Schefter.
NFL analysts are in rare agreement that this is a solid return for a team in rebuild mode. Barstool's Jeff D. Lowe summed it up: “Bummed to lose Myles Garrett… but Verse, and 1st Round Pick in return plus more draft compensation? I can’t really hate this move. Young team as it is, building to future. You lose a Hall of Famer, but return feels solid?”
Tom Downey added, “Set in motion when the Browns re-did that contract, despite their claims otherwise. Pretty good haul back for the Browns. Rams stay aggressive.”
NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe highlighted the long-term upside: “Browns land young star pass rusher on their timeline in Jared Verse + another 1st round pick got ammo to go get their QB in 2027 draft if they need it.”
The reaction from fans has been similarly positive, with one saying, “I am so conflicted because Jared Verse is so good and young, but wow.”
The Browns are clearly building for the future, and this trade gives them a cornerstone edge rusher in Verse plus the draft capital to potentially target a quarterback in 2027. The team's recent moves, including pumping the brakes on Deshaun Watson starting hype, signal a shift in direction.
For the Rams, it's a win-now move that could put them over the top. But for Cleveland, the consensus is clear: this is a win for the rebuild.
