Myles Garrett says Matthew Stafford's presence was a deciding factor in his blockbuster trade to Los Angeles. After all, for nine years, the defensive end played for the Cleveland Browns without a franchise quarterback.

“I mean, that did play into the decision as well. Knowing I have the ability, late game, to pin my ears back, not just because we need a play to be made, but because we have the lead and it's obvious passing downs, being able to make those game-changing plays to win the game for us, those are things that appeal to me,” he said in an X post shared by NFL Network on June 3.

Garrett was addressing the media in his opening press session with the Rams and shared how important a good offense was to him. His new franchise was the best in the 2025 season. The Rams led with 6,709 total yards and 4,557 passing yards. 

Stafford, 38, contributed 4,707 passing yards, 46 touchdowns against eight interceptions. Compared to them, the Browns were a major letdown for Garrett, the two-time and reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

While Garrett set a new NFL record for most sacks in a season with 23, the Browns went 5-12. Their offense ranked 30th after gaining 4,456 total yards. The Browns’ leading starter was rookie Shedeur Sanders, who passed for 1,400 yards and threw seven interceptions. 

Garrett is a five-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl invitee who led one of the NFL's defenses. The Browns’ secondary ranked fourth in allowing 283.6 yards per game. They remained at the bottom of the charts solely because of an unstable quarterback room and an underwhelming offense. 

With the 30-year-old’s presence in the Rams, the franchise now boasts explosive players for units, and head coach Sean McVay understands the impact of the trade.

HC Sean McVay Draws Similarities Between Myles Garrett And Matthew Stafford

On June 1, the Cleveland Browns and the Los Angeles Rams announced a blockbuster trade whose impact will be felt across the league. Rams head coach Sean McVay shared his thoughts on Garrett and his pursuit. 

“We feel really fortunate that this feels very similar when we were fortunate enough to be able to acquire a player like Matthew Stafford,” McVay said during Garrett's introductory news conference on June 2. “Things like this don't present themselves and we wanted to be aggressive.”

The Rams had traded away Jared Goff for Matthew Stafford in 2021, and they gave away linebacker Jared Verse, a first-round draft pick in 2027, a second-round pick in 2028 and a third-round pick in 2029 for Garrett. 

Insider reports suggested that the Rams were on a hot trail to convince the reluctant Browns, who saw Garrett as a “career Brown.”

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Browns were “adamant about not trading Myles Garrett,” but the Rams remained persistent and brought Garrett to LA with them. 

The Rams have it all this year, and watching these veterans on the field is set to make up for some thrilling football. Are you excited? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community! 

Written by

Akanksha Biradar