CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 07: Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett 95 on the field prior to the National Football League game between the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns on December 7, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, OH. Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 07 Titans at Browns EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251207006

Jun 25, 2026, 4:04 AM CUT

“Not universally loved”: Browns insider finally reveals locker room’s reaction to Myles Garrett trade

On 1 June, the Cleveland Browns traded their star player, Myles Garrett, to the Los Angeles Rams. The move sent shockwaves across the league, but not as much inside the Browns’ locker room.

Browns’ insider journalist, Mary Kay Cabot, in her Tuesday edition of “Hey, Mary Kay!” revealed that the Browns had a complicated reaction to the trade.

“Garrett was respected and revered, but probably not universally loved,” shared Cabot. “A few players, such as Wright, got close to him, but not everyone did. Besides, they recognize that he demanded a trade before last season and then waived his no-trade clause this year to get to L.A. As Denzel Ward observed, ‘If you’re not with us, you’re against us’.”

CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Defensive end Myles Garrett 95 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates sacking Quarterback Joe Burrow 9 of the Cincinnati Bengals to set the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Äs single-season sack record in a game between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire NFL: JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon168260104022

In the trade between the Browns and the Rams, Cleveland received 25-year-old DE Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick. With the Rams, Garrett received a five-year contract till 2030, with extension options till 2038.

Per J.R.DeGroote of heavy.com, Garrett’s departure from Cleveland after nine years didn’t receive any public tributes from the current Browns players on social media. It was only Alex Wright who openly addressed the loss of the defensive line’s leader.

“Somebody gotta take control, like somebody has to take charge,” said Wright. “But I’m taking on that ownership, that just because he’s gone, that doesn’t mean the standard he set since he’s been here, since he was a rookie, is going to change. We are still going to work and be a top defense, we’re still going to just work out b**** off.”

DeGroote added that Garrett’s production was never a question, but his leadership was. He was frequently late to the team facility and skipped mandatory team activities. He also publicly distanced himself from the franchise by requesting a trade before the 2025 season.

Cabot concluded that the Browns were certainly shocked by the trade. However, once the initial shock wore off, the players were excited about having Jared Verse on board.

Browns insiders draw comparison between verse and Garrett

The arrival of Jared Verse to Cleveland came with the realization that while he may not provide the same production as Garrett did, his attitude is seen as a welcome change for the team.

“Jared Verse is a force multiplier and very much a team-first player,” wrote Cabot. “I witnessed a lighter, more unified defensive line already in minicamp.”

Mike Battaglino of Browns Nation shared that the two-time Pro Bowler and the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year could prove to be more beneficial to the Browns defense when combined with his work ethic and leadership qualities.

Battaglino concluded that the Browns' general manager, Andrew Berry, did the right thing by bringing in the young and positive Verse to Cleveland because Garrett’s production was “bound to decline” as the 30-year-old enters the latter stages of his career.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore