When the 2025 season ended, GM Andrew Berry made one thing clear: Myles Garrett would not be traded. That's why when June 1st rolled around, the Browns' decision to trade Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams was even more shocking.

But that decision might work out for the team, as former Browns star Joe Thomas told SiriusXM NFL Radio.

Acknowledging the loss of their star, Thomas said, "I knew there was always going to be a chance that the Browns [would trade] Myles, just knowing the situation they’re in and the valuable asset they had. But for Cleveland fans, it’s tough, right? Because for several of those seasons that Myles was here in Cleveland, he was the one thing we got to cheer for, right?"

While Garrett has been excellent for the team since joining in 2017, making over 120 sacks in 9 seasons, the team hasn't found success. They managed to make it to the playoffs just twice, with the offense lacking in firepower. That's why Thomas added:

"Getting three draft choices for Myles — a first, second, and a third. It puts us in a much better position for the next two, three, four years as we’re in this building phase. So, as you step away from the emotion of losing Myles, you realize this puts the team in a much better situation moving forward. And it was the right decision, even though it hurts.”

And that's why the Garrett trade could help. The Browns received three picks: one in the first round, one in the second, and one in the third. It keeps their options open at a time when the Browns' offense doesn't look especially strong.

If Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson aren't able to establish themselves as the franchise QB, they would have the draft capital to bring in a new quarterback, either via trade or through the draft.

In the long run, as Joe Thomas explained, losing the best player might be the right choice, even if it stings the fans.

Thomas acknowledged the part that stings the fanbase

Last season was a mixed bag for Browns fans. While the team had a few positive moments, quarterback troubles and a losing season kept them out of the playoffs. However, Garrett chasing the record for most sacks in a single season seemed like some redemption.

In his nine years with the Browns, Garrett earned the NFL Defensive Player of the Year title twice, coming in 2023 and 2025. He was a five-time First-Team All-Pro and a two-time Second-Team All-Pro.

However, going forward, the Browns will look to rebuild, aiming to once again make it back to the playoff race, as Thomas concluded.

"So, as you step away from the emotion of losing Myles, you realize this puts the team in a much better situation moving forward. And it was the right decision, even though it hurts."

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Written by

Ankita Yadav

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar